CLASSIC BLAEU MAP OF ASIA IN ORIGINAL COLOR
$6,800
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AUTHOR:
BLAEU, GUILLAUME
TITLE:
Asia Noviter delineata Auctore Guilemus Blaeuw
CONDITION:
16” x 21 3/4”. Original hand color. Excellent condition.
DATE:
1617/1635
DESCRIPTION:
This beautiful decorative map of Asia was first issued as a separate publication in 1617, and subsequently appeared in editions of Blaeu’s atlases until 1658. Blaeu was the leading map publisher in 17th century Amsterdam at the height of the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography. The illuminated side panels depict costumed figures from Arabia, Persia, China and Southeast Asia, while the nine engraved views at the top show the cities of Damascus, Jerusalem, Aden, Hormuz, Goa, Calicut, Kandy, Banten and Macau. For three generations, members of the Blaeu family held the post of Official Hydrographer to the powerful Dutch East India Company. The inclusion of the view of Banten reflects the emergence of The Netherlands as a major commercial power in the East Indies. After routing the Portuguese from Molucca in 1641, the Dutch would go on to control much of the lucrative spice trade for well over a century.
REFERENCES:
Goss, Blaeu’s The Grand Atlas, pp. 190-191.
Inventory No. 7981
