Rare Old Map of Lower Alsace by Visscher, 1690: Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Pforzheim, Speyer, North Vosges Reserve

Step back in time with this meticulously detailed map of Lower Alsace, crafted by the esteemed mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Visscher, a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, hails from a lineage of distinguished mapmakers, making this piece not just a map, but a piece of history.

This map, originally titled 'Landgraviatus Alsatiae Inferioris Novissima Tabula : in qua simul Marchionatus Badensis, Ortenavia, Caeteraquetam Lotharingica quam alia Confinia', translates to 'The Latest Map of the Lower County of Alsace: in which both the Margraviate of Baden, Ortenau, and the other Lorraine and other borders are shown'. This title reveals the vast expanse of territory covered by this map, which includes not only Lower Alsace, but also the Margraviate of Baden, Ortenau, and other bordering regions.

The map features several significant cities and landmarks, including Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Pforzheim, Speyer, and the North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve. Strasbourg, the capital city of the Grand Est region of France, is known for its rich history and stunning Gothic architecture. Karlsruhe, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is home to one of the most important courts in Europe, the Federal Constitutional Court. Pforzheim, also in Baden-Württemberg, is known as the "Gateway to the Black Forest". Speyer, a town in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, is famous for its Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly, the North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve, located in northeastern France, is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

In addition to these cities and landmarks, the map also provides a glimpse into the political divisions of the time. The Margraviate of Baden, Ortenau, and other regions are clearly delineated, providing insight into the geopolitical landscape of the late 17th century. This map is not only a testament to Visscher's cartographic skills, but also a fascinating snapshot of a time long past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a map collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine artistry, this map of Lower Alsace by Nicolaes Visscher II is sure to captivate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Lower Alsace:

1. Strasbourg: Known as Argentoratum in Roman times, it is the capital city of the Grand Est region of France. Famous for its rich history and stunning Gothic architecture.
2. Haguenau: Founded in the 12th century, it was the residence of the Hohenstaufen emperors during the 12th and 13th centuries.
3. Wissembourg: Known as Weissenburg in German, it was an important place in the Holy Roman Empire.
4. Saverne: Known as Tres Tabernae in Roman times, it is famous for its beautiful landscapes and historic buildings.
5. Sélestat: Known as Schlettstadt in German, it is home to the Humanist Library, one of the oldest public libraries in the world.

Margraviate of Baden:

1. Karlsruhe: Founded in 1715, it is home to one of the most important courts in Europe, the Federal Constitutional Court.
2. Baden-Baden: Known for its spa and casino, it was a popular destination for European nobility in the 18th century.
3. Pforzheim: Known as the "Gateway to the Black Forest", it was a major center of jewelry and watchmaking in the 18th century.
4. Rastatt: Home to the Baroque styled Rastatt Palace.
5. Ettlingen: Known for its historic old town and the Ettlingen Palace.

Ortenau:

1. Offenburg: Known for its vineyards and wine production.
2. Kehl: Located on the Rhine river, it is the gateway to Strasbourg in France.
3. Lahr: Known for its beautiful parks and gardens.
4. Gengenbach: Famous for its traditional half-timbered houses.
5. Haslach im Kinzigtal: Known for its historic old town.

Other Bordering Regions:

1. Speyer: Known as Spira in Latin, it is famous for its Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Heidelberg: Known for Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany.
3. Mannheim: Known for its grid-like downtown design, known as "Mannheimer Quadrate".
4. Worms: Known for the Nibelungen saga and the Diet of Worms.
5. Ludwigshafen: Known for being one of the most important chemical industry locations in the world.

In addition to these cities and towns, the map also includes several significant natural and geopolitical features:

1. Rhine River: One of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, it forms a natural border between several countries.
2. Black Forest: Known for its dense, evergreen forests and picturesque villages, it is a popular tourist destination.
3. Vosges Mountains: Known for their rich variety of flora and fauna, they are home to the North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve.
4. Palatinate Forest: The largest contiguous forest area in Germany, it is part of the UNESCO Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve.
5. The border with Lorraine: This was a significant geopolitical boundary during the 17th century, marking the divide between French and German territories.

Notable historical events in this region between 1600 and 1690 include:

1. The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): This devastating conflict involved many of the cities and territories shown on the map.
2. The Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678): This war led to the further expansion of French territory in the region.
3. The founding of the University of Strasbourg in 1621: This marked a significant development in the intellectual and cultural life of the region.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.