Bilder Henricus Hondius (1597-1651) – Map of the Bishopric of Utrecht – Netherlands – Hand-coloured engraving (1635)

Beskrivning

"Episcopatus Ultraiectinus." This map provides a detailed cartographic representation of the Bishopric of Utrecht and surrounding territories, including parts of Holland and Gelderland. The composition features a decorative title cartouche in the upper right, adorned with a cherub and the provincial coat of arms, set against the Zuiderzee. A distinctive figured scale in the lower right depicts a surveyor carrying a measuring pole across the landscape. The map illustrates the region's intricate network of waterways, polders, and towns such as Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Rhenen, with hand-coloured borders delineating administrative boundaries. This engraving was published in the Atlas Novus in Amsterdam, a landmark work of seventeenth-century Dutch cartography produced through the partnership of Henricus Hondius and Johannes Janssonius.

Henricus Hondius was a prominent Dutch engraver and cartographer who played a vital role in the expansion of the Hondius publishing house in Amsterdam. As the son of Jodocus Hondius, he inherited a vast collection of copperplates and worked diligently to update the Mercator-Hondius atlas series with new geographical findings. He is particularly noted for his technical skill in engraving and his successful business collaboration with his brother-in-law, Johannes Janssonius, which allowed them to compete with the rival Blaeu family. Hondius's contributions significantly advanced the golden age of Dutch map-making, ensuring that his publications remained the standard for geographical accuracy and artistic quality across Europe.

Artist or Maker: Henricus Hondius.

Dimensions: Approximately 48 cm x 56 cm.

Medium: Hand-coloured engraving.

Date: 1635.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.