• presentation of the map reproduction without a frame
  • detail of the map from the centre
  • detail of the map from the top left corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom left corner
  • detail of the map from the top right corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom right corner
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Ancient map of Portugal, 1640

SKU:  194959

Ancient map of Portugal, 1640

€57,00 EUR
€57,00 EUR
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This 1640 map of Portugal by the esteemed Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu is a stunning example of 17th-century cartographic artistry and geographic scholarship. Produced during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, this map reflects Blaeu’s mastery in blending scientific accuracy with elaborate design. Created at a time when the Dutch were among the world's leading mapmakers and publishers, this depiction of Portugal offers both a rich visual and historical experience.

The map meticulously charts the geographical contours of Portugal, extending from the Minho region in the north to the Algarve in the south, and highlighting the Atlantic coastline in detail. Important cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Évora are clearly marked, along with rivers, mountain ranges, and regional divisions. Decorative cartouches, coats of arms, and compass roses add grandeur to the composition, while finely drawn sea monsters and ships populate the surrounding waters—hallmarks of Baroque-era mapmaking.

The map’s detailed depiction of Portugal is especially significant considering the historical context of 1640, the year of the Portuguese Restoration War, when Portugal regained its independence from Spanish rule. As such, this map not only serves as a geographic document but also as a symbol of national identity and pride during a pivotal moment in Portuguese history.

Blaeu’s use of vibrant hand-coloring, classical border decorations, and typographic finesse elevate the work from a mere navigational tool to a piece of fine art. It was likely included in the Atlas Novus, Blaeu’s renowned world atlas, which became a reference point for scholars, traders, and nobles alike.

Today, this map stands as a remarkable testament to early modern cartographic excellence, offering insight into how geography, politics, and art intersected in the production of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Find more maps of Willem Janszoon Blaeu

Materials

Cotton canvas, matte photo paper, fine art paper, pigmented inks.

  • The canvas it's 99 % cotton, 450 gr/sqm;
  • The matte photo paper it's acid-free (archival paper), 190 gr/sqm;
  • The fine art photo paper it's satinated (semi-glossy), 140 gr/sqm.

Shipping & Returns

Dispatching time: 1-2 days.

* AirMail option: The orders will be sent by priority registered mail, usually via client National Post (USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, LaPoste, Deutsche Post, PostNL, etc). The delivery times are not guaranteed, sometimes it will take longer and these are beyond our control. Tracking number will be provided. Clients from US and Canada cannot track the parcels as the tracking numbers are not rolled in USPS and Canada Post systems.

* UPS standard: The orders will be sent with UPS expedited option. The delivery time it's between 5-11 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

* UPS express: : The orders will be sent with UPS express saver. The delivery time it's between 4-7 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

Framing tips

Both type of materials, paper and canvas prints come rolled and will be need to be taken to your local framers.

The image it's printed with a border of 0.6 " (1.5 cm), for framing purposes only.

If you have already a frame, be sure you send us the exact size of the print that will fit inside the frame. We're printing on vectorial plotters so the size could slightly be more or less with 0.4" (1 cm).

If you plan to have the canvas print stretched on wooden frame, you'll need additional border, so please let us know after placing the order.

The images above was cropped from the image at the biggest size available (keeping the best quality and aspect /ratio), so, for good details please choose biggest dimensions that will suit your preferences / space.

Care Instructions

The print media (canvas or photo paper) could be cleaned only with a dry, soft cloth.

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