Rare Old Map of the Danube River in Europe by Mercator and Hondius, 1633: Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Alps, Hungary

Dive into the rich tapestry of European geography and history with the "Maximi Totius Europae Fluminus Danubii Cursus Per Germaniam Hungariamque Nova Delineatio," a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographers Gerhard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius. Originating from the golden age of Dutch cartography, this 1633 map is not merely a navigational tool but a work of art, capturing the grandeur of the Danube River as it weaves through the heart of Europe. The map details the river's journey from the serene Black Forest in Germany to the expansive Black Sea, highlighting major cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade along its course. This piece serves as a window into the 17th-century political and cultural landscapes of the region, adorned with intricate cartouches and a meticulous attention to geographical accuracy.

Gerhard Mercator, a name synonymous with precision in mapmaking, was revolutionary in his field. Known for the Mercator projection, his innovative approach allowed sailors to navigate the seas more accurately, changing the course of navigation forever. Together with Jodocus Hondius, who is celebrated for his contributions to the Mercator-Hondius Atlas, one of the seminal atlases of the time, they created maps that were not only functional but also richly detailed and beautifully decorated. Their collaboration brought to life this map of the Danube River basin, showcasing their unparalleled skill in blending scientific precision with artistic elegance.

The map itself is a detailed political and physical representation, employing a Mercator projection to depict the varied terrain of the regions it covers. From the rugged Alps and the Carpathian Mountains to the lush Bohemian Forest and the expansive Hungarian Plain, the map illustrates significant natural landmarks that define the landscape of Central and Eastern Europe. The inclusion of other major rivers like the Rhine, Main, and Neckar, along with detailed depictions of Lake Constance and Lake Balaton, adds layers of depth to the understanding of this geographical area during the 17th century.

Beyond its geographical significance, the map is a cultural and historical document. It delineates the political boundaries of the era, capturing the complex mosaic of principalities, duchies, and empires that once ruled the region. Cities and towns are meticulously marked, offering insights into the urban centers that were pivotal in trade, governance, and culture during this period. The map not only charts the land but also narrates the story of a Europe evolving through the ages, influenced by the ebb and flow of the mighty Danube.

This map is not just a collector's item but a source of endless fascination for enthusiasts of history, geography, and art. It invites viewers to explore the confluence of human and natural history, and to ponder the changes that have shaped Europe from the time of Mercator and Hondius to the present. Owning this map is like owning a piece of history, a testament to the skill and enduring legacy of two of the world's most influential mapmakers.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• A decorative title cartouche in the top right corner
• A scale bar in the bottom left corner
• A compass rose in the bottom right corner
• The Danube river
• The Alps
• The Carpathian Mountains
• The Bohemian Forest
• The Erzgebirge
• The Sudeten Mountains
• The Black Forest
• The Rhine river
• The Main river
• The Neckar river
• Lake Constance
• Lake Balaton
• The Hungarian Plain
• The Transylvanian Alps
• The Wallachian Plain
• The Moldavian Plain

Historical and design context

• Title: Maximi Totius Europae Fluminus Danubii Cursus Per Germaniam Hungariamque Nova Delineatio. Amstelodami.
• Date: 1633
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Gerhard Mercator, Jodocus Hondius
• Design and style: Detailed political and physical map drawn in a Mercator projection, decorated with elaborate cartouches
• Historical significance: Provides a snapshot of Europe in the 17th century, highlighting the importance of the Danube river and the skill of the mapmakers

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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 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.