Rare Old Map of Europe by Willem Blaeu, 1630: Dutch Masterpiece, Cultural Illustrations, Mythical Elements

"Europa recens descripta," created by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu in 1630, is a masterful depiction of Europe during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. Blaeu, a pivotal figure in the world of mapmaking, was celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair. This map, a reduced version of his 1617 wall map, showcases the entirety of Europe, extending to Northern Africa, Iceland, and parts of Greenland. It is a testament to the era's advanced geographical knowledge and the high-quality craftsmanship of Dutch cartographers.

The map is not just a geographical representation but a rich tapestry of cultural and historical elements. The upper border features nine prominent European towns—Amsterdam, Prague, Constantinople, Venice, Rome, Paris, London, Toledo, and Lisbon—each illustrated in an oval frame, offering a bird’s eye view of their unique characteristics. These cityscapes provide a glimpse into the urban landscapes of the 17th century, complete with rivers and sprawling settlements. This artistic approach highlights the importance of these cities as centers of commerce, politics, and culture during the period.

Framing the sides of the map are illustrations of noblemen and women from various European nations, including the English, French, Dutch, Castilian Spanish, Venetians, Germans, Hungarians, Bohemians, Polish, and Ottoman Greeks. These figures, depicted in their traditional costumes, add a vibrant, human element to the map, reflecting the diverse cultures and fashions of the time. This attention to cultural detail underscores the map's role as both a navigational tool and a work of art, celebrating the rich tapestry of European society.

The map's design is further enriched by its decorative elements. The seas are adorned with sailing ships and mythical sea monsters, while Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, is depicted riding a sea creature off the coast of Portugal. Inland, lions roam across North Africa, and a trio of bears can be seen in Russia, adding a touch of whimsy and myth to the map. A sea battle rages in the Mediterranean, illustrating the era's naval conflicts and the importance of maritime power. These embellishments not only enhance the map's visual appeal but also provide insight into the symbolic and mythical worldviews of the time.

"Europa recens descripta" is more than just a map; it is a historical document that captures the essence of 17th-century Europe. It reflects the geographical knowledge, political boundaries, and cultural diversity of the period, all presented through the lens of Blaeu's exceptional cartographic skills. This map is a celebration of the artistry and precision of Dutch cartography, offering a window into a bygone era where maps were as much about exploration and discovery as they were about art and culture.

Countries and regions on this map

• Europe (entirety)
• Northern Africa
• Iceland
• Part of Greenland

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrative views of nine prominent European towns: Amsterdam, Prague, Constantinople, Venice, Rome, Paris, London, Toledo, and Lisbon
• Costumes of noblemen and women from various European nations
• Oceanus Septentrionalis
• Oceanus Occidentalis
• Oceanus Deucaledonius
• Mare Atlanticum
• Mare Mediterraneum
• Pontus Euxinus
• Mythical Neptune riding a sea creature off the coast of Portugal
• Sea battle in the Mediterranean
• Lions in North Africa
• Bears in Russia
• Sailing ships and sea monsters in the seas
• Textual note on Blaeu’s privilege to publish this work located in Africa at the southern edge of the map frame

Historical and design context

• Created by Willem Janszoon Blaeu, a renowned Dutch cartographer, in 1630
• A reduced version of Blaeu's popular wall map of Europe published in 1617
• Represents the high-quality and artistic style of Dutch cartography during its Golden Age
• Reflects the geographical knowledge and political boundaries of Europe in the early 17th century
• Richly embellished with illustrative views, decorative cartouches, and mythical creatures
• Upper border contains views of nine prominent European towns in oval-shaped frames
• Sides are framed by illustrations depicting the costumes of noblemen and women from various European nations
• Seas decorated with sailing ships and sea monsters
• Highlights the cultural and artistic elements of the period through its decorative illustrations

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.