Africae Descriptio – Historic Mercator Africa Map, Janssonius 1651
Title: Africae Descriptio – Mercator & Janssonius' Map of Africa, 1651
Description:
This stunning and highly detailed historical map of Africa, titled Africae Descriptio, is an original copperplate engraving with hand coloring, first published in the second German edition of Atlas Minor (1648-1651) by Joannes Janssonius in Amsterdam. The map features an ornamental title cartouche, a mileage scale cartouche, and a German title above the map, all elements typical of 17th-century Dutch cartography.
Historical Context & Significance:
- This map is based on Gerard Mercator’s original cartographic works, which revolutionized map projection and navigation.
- Following Mercator’s death (1594), his map plates were acquired by Dutch cartographers, including Willem Janszoon Blaeu and the Janssonius-Hondius family.
- Joannes Janssonius (1588-1664) was one of the leading cartographers of the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, expanding and republishing Mercator’s maps in his famous Atlas Minor.
- The Atlas Minor, a smaller and more affordable edition of the larger Mercator atlases, was widely circulated throughout Europe in the mid-17th century, making it a crucial tool for explorers, scholars, and traders.
- The map’s detailed representation of Africa reflects European geographic knowledge of the continent in the 1600s, including coastal trade routes, major rivers, and settlements.
Mapmaker & Publisher:
- Gerard Mercator (1512–1594) – Renowned Flemish cartographer and geographer, best known for developing the Mercator Projection, which became the standard for navigation.
- Joannes Janssonius (1588–1664) – Dutch mapmaker and publisher, a major competitor to Blaeu, known for his elaborate and highly decorative maps.
- Henricus Hondius (1597–1651) – Janssonius' son-in-law and business partner, continued the Mercator-Hondius-Janssonius legacy.
Size & Condition:
- Sheet size: Approx. 22 x 18 cm (8.5 x 7.5 inches)
- Condition: Excellent historical 17th-century map, well-preserved with full borders and original hand coloring.
MapandMaps.
For the complete Map and Print collection see our online site.
MapandMaps Cartography of the World.
Always real antique maps - Always original - Never reproductions.
Europe buyers; we accept payment in Euro.