Rare Old Map of Rijnland and Amstelland by Visscher, 1690: Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague, Leiden, Gouda

Explore the historical richness of Rijnland and Amstelland with this intricately detailed map, skillfully created by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, formally titled 'Rhenolandia, Amstelandia et circumjacentia aliquot territoria, cum aggeribus omnibus, terminisque suis', translates to 'Rijnland, Amstelland and some surrounding territories, with all their embankments and boundaries', providing an extensive view of the political divisions and geographical complexities of these regions during the Dutch Golden Age.

The map highlights several significant cities of the era, offering a unique historical perspective on their early development. Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is prominently displayed, reflecting its status as a political, economic, and cultural hub. Haarlem, a city renowned for its rich history in arts and culture, is also depicted, providing a glimpse into its vibrant past. The map also includes The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government and the King, along with Leiden and Gouda, both significant cities known for their historical and cultural importance.

Visscher's map also provides insight into the natural landscapes and geographical features of the region. It showcases the intricate network of canals and waterways that the Netherlands is famous for, reflecting the country's long-standing relationship with water management and control. The map also hints at the low-lying, flat terrain that is characteristic of the Netherlands, much of which has been reclaimed from the sea.

This map by Nicolaes Visscher II is more than just a geographical representation; it is a historical document that narrates the story of Rijnland and Amstelland and their surrounding regions in the late 17th century. It provides a fascinating look into the political divisions, major cities, and natural landscapes of the time. This map allows you to explore Rijnland and Amstelland and their neighboring regions as they were over three centuries ago, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Rijnland

• Amsterdam - Known as Amstelredamme in the early 17th century, it was the leading center for finance and diamonds.
• Haarlem - Known for its tulip bulb-growing district for over three centuries.
• Leiden - Famous for its university, the oldest in the Netherlands, founded in 1575.
• Alkmaar - Known for its cheese market.
• Zoetermeer - Known as "Sweet Lake City", was a major grain producer in the 17th century.
• Hoofddorp - A small farming community in the 17th century.
• Noordwijk - Known for its coastal dunes and bulb flower fields.
• Katwijk - A coastal town important for its herring fishery.
• Hillegom - Known for its bulb flower fields.
• Lisse - Known for its large forests and estates.
• Aalsmeer - Known for its flower auction, the largest flower auction in the world.
• Warmond - Known for its recreational lakes.
• Sassenheim - Known for its bulb flower fields.
• Voorhout - Known for its rich history and agriculture.
• Roelofarendsveen - Known for its water sports and lakes.

Amstelland

• The Hague (Den Haag) - The seat of the Dutch government and the King.
• Gouda - Known for its cheese, stroopwafels, clay pipes, and pottery.
• Delft - Known for its historic town center with canals.
• Rotterdam - Known for its harbor, the largest in Europe.
• Schiedam - Known for its jenever-producing history.
• Vlaardingen - Known for its fishing industry.
• Maassluis - Known for its historic city center and harbor.
• Zoeterwoude - Known for its beer brewery, Heineken.
• Rijswijk - Known for its historic mansions and parks.
• Dordrecht - Known for its well-preserved historic city center.
• Leidschendam - Known for its locks in the Vliet canal.
• Voorburg - Known for its old city center with many 17th-century houses.
• Nootdorp - Known for its recreational areas and lakes.
• Pijnacker - Known for its greenhouses and agriculture.
• Berkel en Rodenrijs - Known for its agriculture and greenhouses.

Notable natural phenomena and tourist attractions: The Rhine River - One of the major European rivers, which has its source in Switzerland. The Amstel River - The river that gave its name to Amsterdam. Keukenhof Gardens - One of the world's largest flower gardens, located in Lisse. The Hoge Veluwe National Park - One of the Netherlands' largest national parks. The Biesbosch - A large national park and one of the largest wetlands in Western Europe.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690: The Dutch Golden Age - A period in Dutch history, roughly spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, military, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. The Tulip mania (1637) - A period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for some bulbs of the recently introduced and fashionable tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then dramatically collapsed. The Disaster Year (1672) - Known in Dutch history as the "year of disaster", when the Dutch Republic was simultaneously attacked by England, France, and two German Bishoprics.

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.