Bilder Henricus Hondius (1597-1651) – Map of Provence – France – Hand-coloured engraving (1635)

Beskrivning

"Provincia. La Provence." This hand-coloured map provides a detailed cartographic representation of the Provence region in southeastern France, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. The composition features a grand, decorative title cartouche in the upper left corner, adorned with the French royal coat of arms and flanked by stylized cornucopias. In the lower right, a secondary cartouche contains the publication imprint, while a compass rose and multiple linear scales are positioned along the bottom. The map illustrates the region's diverse topography, including the Southern Alps, major river systems such as the Rhone, and numerous coastal towns and islands. Administrative boundaries and geographical features are highlighted with delicate hand-colouring. This engraving was published in the Atlas Novus in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius and Johannes Janssonius, representing the height of seventeenth-century Dutch cartographic production.

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.