Ancient map of Portugal, 1700

This 1700 map of Portugal by renowned Dutch cartographer and engraver Peter Schenk is a striking example of early 18th-century cartographic elegance and precision. As part of the legacy of Dutch mapmaking excellence, Schenk’s work continues the tradition of blending geographical accuracy with artistic embellishment, appealing to both navigators and collectors of the period.

The map depicts the entire territory of Portugal, from the Minho region in the north to the Algarve in the south, carefully outlining the country’s coastlines, river systems, cities, and administrative divisions. Major urban centers such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, and Évora are prominently marked, while smaller towns and rural features are also delicately represented. The map showcases topographical features like mountain ranges and rivers, offering insight into the natural landscape that shaped the nation’s development.

Schenk’s cartographic artistry is most evident in the decorative flourishes that frame the map—ornate title cartouches, heraldic shields, allegorical figures, sailing ships, and compass roses, all rendered in the Baroque style. These embellishments not only enhance the map’s visual appeal but also symbolize Portugal’s maritime heritage, referencing its historic role in the Age of Exploration.

Created during a time when Portugal was re-establishing its political and economic strength in the aftermath of the Restoration from Spanish rule, the map also serves as a cultural artifact reflecting national identity and pride. Schenk’s map would have been included in atlases or sold as a standalone sheet to merchants, aristocrats, and scholars with interest in European geography and trade routes.

Today, Peter Schenk’s Portugal map stands as a fine example of Dutch Golden Age cartography, admired for its rich detailing, artistic composition, and its role in documenting Portugal’s geographical and political landscape at the dawn of the 18th century.

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