The "Praefecturae Paranambucae Pars Borealis una cum Praefectura de Itamaraca," crafted by the esteemed cartographer Johannes Blaeu in 1662, is a masterpiece that captures the intricate beauty and historical significance of the Brazilian coastline. This map, one of the first to reflect Dutch rather than Portuguese interests in Brazil, is a testament to the meticulous work of Blaeu and the broader efforts of the Dutch West India Company. It highlights the capitanias of Pernambuca and Itamarica, regions that were pivotal during the Dutch occupation of Brazil. The map's detailed cartouches, coats of arms, and decorative elements provide a glimpse into the artistic and cultural influences of the time.

Johannes Blaeu, a prominent figure in the world of cartography, was part of the renowned Blaeu family, whose maps and atlases set the standard for quality and accuracy in the 17th century. Blaeu's work on this map was part of a larger project commissioned by Count Johan Maurits, the Governor-General of Dutch Brazil, to document the region's flora, fauna, climate, inhabitants, religion, and languages. This map first appeared in Gaspar Barleus' "Rerum per Octennium in Brasilia," a seminal work that remains one of the finest documentations of Brazil ever produced. Blaeu's maps were later included in his grand "Atlas Maior," further cementing his legacy as a master cartographer.

The map's design is both functional and decorative, featuring highly embellished cartouches, coats of arms, and artistic depictions of ships and sea battles. The upper quarter of the map is particularly striking, showcasing the commercially important sugar cane industry, which was a cornerstone of the Brazilian economy during the Dutch occupation. The intricate details and vibrant illustrations not only serve as a navigational tool but also as a piece of art that reflects the economic and cultural landscape of 17th-century Brazil.

Geographically, the map provides a detailed depiction of the Brazilian coastline, including rivers, waterways, and mountain ranges. The capitanias of Pernambuca and Itamarica are meticulously outlined, with faint lines indicating where the map sheets overlapped for larger wall maps. The inclusion of geographic coordinates and scales further enhances the map's utility for navigation and exploration. The depiction of forested areas and vegetation also offers insights into the natural environment of the region during that period.

Historically, this map is significant as it represents a period when the Dutch West India Company controlled parts of Brazil. The detailed documentation of the sugar cane industry, maritime activities, and the region's natural and human geography provides a valuable snapshot of a transformative era in Brazilian history. The artistic embellishments and Latin inscriptions add to the map's allure, making it not just a navigational tool but a historical artifact that captures the essence of Dutch Brazil.

Cities and towns on this map

• Recife: Modern-day population of approximately 1.6 million.
• Olinda: Modern-day population of approximately 390,000.
• Itamaracá: Modern-day population of approximately 25,000.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Sugar cane industry scene in the upper quarter of the map.
• Cartouches with decorative elements.
• Coats of arms for Pernambuca and Itamarica.
• Ships depicted in the ocean.
• A sea battle scene.
• Compass rose with directional lines.
• Notularum Explicatio (explanatory notes) in the bottom left corner.
• Decorative border around the map.
• Faint lines indicating where map sheets overlapped for wall maps.
• Detailed depiction of the coastline.
• Rivers and waterways.
• Forested areas and vegetation.
• Mountain ranges.
• Inhabitants depicted in the sugar cane industry scene.
• Various types of ships, indicating maritime activities.
• Depiction of buildings and structures in the sugar cane industry scene.
• Artistic embellishments around the cartouches and coats of arms.
• Latin inscriptions and labels for regions and features.
• Geographic coordinates and scales.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1662
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Johannes Blaeu
• Context about the mapmaker: Johannes Blaeu was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher. He was part of the Blaeu family, renowned for their high-quality maps and atlases.
• First appearance: The map first appeared in Barleus' "Rerum per Octennium in Brasilia et alibi nuper gesterum sub Praefectura Illustrissimi Comitis I. Mavritii, Nassoviae, &c…" published by Blaeu in 1647.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Coastal regions: The map covers the capitanias of Pernambuca and I. Tamarica, highlighting the Brazilian coastline.
• Dutch influence: It is one of the first maps of Brazil based on Dutch rather than Portuguese interest.
• Sugar cane industry: The upper quarter of the map depicts the important sugar cane industry.
• Maritime activities: The map includes ships and a sea battle, emphasizing maritime activities.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Brazil: Specifically, the capitanias of Pernambuca (Pernambuco) and Itamaraca.
• Design and style:
• Highly embellished: The map features cartouches, coats of arms, ships, and a sea battle.
• Artistic elements: Includes a large scene depicting the sugar cane industry.
• Historical significance:
• Dutch Brazil: Reflects the period when the Dutch West India Company controlled parts of Brazil and appointed Count Johan Maurits as Governor-General.
• Documentation of Brazil: Part of a broader effort to document the flora, fauna, climate, inhabitants, religion, and languages of Brazil's coastal provinces.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.