Rare Old Map of Overijssel, Netherlands by Visscher, 1690: Zwolle, Kampen, Hengelo, Deventer, Enschede

Delve into the rich history and exquisite cartography of the 'Transisalania Provincia : Vulgo Over-yssel', a detailed map crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, whose title translates to 'The Province of Transisalania: Commonly Known as Overijssel', presents a comprehensive portrayal of Overijssel, a province in the larger modern-day area of the Netherlands. Each city, town, and landmark is meticulously depicted, offering a glimpse into the historical landscape of the region.

The map prominently features the cities of Zwolle, Kampen, Hengelo, Deventer, and Enschede. Each city is represented with remarkable precision, their locations and surrounding topography accurately illustrated. Beyond the cities, the map also showcases administrative boundaries, roads, waterways, forests, lakes, and landmarks, providing a comprehensive overview of the province's geographical and political divisions.

In addition to its geographical detail, the map is also a work of art. It is hand-colored in outline and includes decorative cartouches, a coat of arms, a compass rose, and rhumb lines. The relief of the land is shown pictorially, adding a layer of depth and dimension to the map. The inclusion of these artistic elements elevates the map beyond a simple geographical tool, transforming it into a piece of historical artwork.

The 'Transisalania Provincia : Vulgo Over-yssel' map is not just a historical document, but a testament to the skill and artistry of Nicolaes Visscher II and the mapmaking traditions of the Dutch Golden Age. It offers a unique perspective on the history and geography of Overijssel, making it a captivating addition to any collection. Whether you're a historian, a cartographer, or simply a lover of beautiful maps, this piece is sure to inspire and intrigue.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Overijssel - Zwolle - Known as Suolle in 1040, it was granted city rights by Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1230. It was a major trading city due to its location on several waterways. - Kampen - A significant Hanseatic city on the lower reaches of the River IJssel. - Deventer - Known as Daventria in the Roman era, it's one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. - Almelo - Founded in the Middle Ages, it was an important centre for the textile industry. - Hengelo - Established as a small village in the 14th century, it was known for its production of clocks and other precision instruments. - Enschede - Founded around 1300, it was a small farming community until the 18th century. - Hardenberg - Known as Herdeberch in the 11th century, it was a strategic location due to its proximity to the German border. - Ommen - Received city rights in 1248, it was a central location for the surrounding agricultural region. - Oldenzaal - Known as Aldenzal in the Middle Ages, it was a member of the Hanseatic League. - Steenwijk - Received city rights in 1327, it was a fortified city in the province. - Vollenhove - Known as Fulnaho in the 9th century, it was a fishing village that received city rights in 1354. - Rijssen - Known as Risne in the 12th century, it was a small farming community. - Goor - Known as Gorye in the 14th century, it was a village centred around a manor. - Delden - Known as De Letha in the 11th century, it was a small village with a significant church. - Hasselt - Received city rights in 1252, it was a member of the Hanseatic League. - Genemuiden - Known as Ghenemuide in the 14th century, it was a fishing village that received city rights in 1275. - Gramsbergen - Known as Gramesberghe in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Bloemendaal - Known as Blomendal in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Borne - Known as Bornerbroek in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Balkbrug - Known as Balckebrugge in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Diepenveen - Known as Diepenvene in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Den Ham - Known as Den Hamme in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Bergentheim - Known as Bergentheem in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Hellendoorn - Known as Hellendorn in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Dalfsen - Known as Dalfsene in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Blokzijl - Known as Blocsile in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Lemelerveld - Known as Lemelervelt in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Luttenberg - Known as Luttenberge in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Mariënberg - Known as Marienberghe in the 14th century, it was a small farming community. - Nijverdal - Known as Nijverdal in the 14th century, it was a small farming community.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries include: - The River IJssel, a branch of the Rhine in the Dutch provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. - The Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, a hilly area located in the Dutch province of Overijssel. - The Vechte River, a northeast-flowing right tributary of the River IJssel. - The Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest fen in northwestern Europe. - The border with the Dutch province of Gelderland to the south.

Historical events between 1600 and 1690 include: - The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), during which Overijssel was often a battleground between the Dutch and the Spanish. - The Treaty of Münster in 1648, which ended the Eighty Years' War and recognised the independence of the Dutch Republic. - The Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678), during which Overijssel was invaded by France.

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.

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.