Product Details

Coordinated set of four decorative map plaques reproducing Willem Janszoon Blaeu's celebrated maps of the four known continents: Europe, America, Africa and Asia. Together they form a particularly attractive miniature version of one of the great decorative cartographic series of the Dutch Golden Age. The four reproduced maps are “Europa recens descripta,” “Americae nova Tabula,” “Africae nova descriptio” and “Asia noviter delineata.” Blaeu's continent maps trace back to the early 17th century, with versions first issued as separate maps beginning in 1617 and subsequently incorporated into the famous Blaeu atlases. These maps belong to the elaborate style known as carte-a-figures cartography. In addition to the geographical detail, the designs feature ornate title cartouches, views of important cities across the upper borders, figures representing regional dress along the sides, sailing ships, sea creatures, animals and other period embellishments. The result was intended to be both informative and visually impressive—one reason Blaeu's maps remain among the most recognizable products of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. This listing is for a later decorative reproduction set, not original 17th-century engravings. Each map image is mounted to a rigid wood or wood-composite plaque with a natural brown backing and finished edges. No manufacturer label is visible on the backs, so the maker and exact production date of the plaques are intentionally left unattributed. Includes all four continents: Europe, America, Africa and Asia. Approximate size: about 7.5–8 inches wide by approximately 6 inches high each.