Nicolaes Visser's very decorative map of Scandinavia and the Baltic. The plate was engraved in 1630 by Abraham Goos, and first published in the 1630 atlas appendix by Jansson.

The map is based on the 1626 wall map of Scandinavia in six sheets by Andreas Buraeus (Anders Bure), "the father of Swedish cartography". The map is dedicated to Gustav Adolf, King of Sweden.

A pristine collector's example, in beautiful original color.

Claes Jansz(oon) Visscher: A Cartographic Luminary of the Dutch Golden Age

Early Life and Apprenticeship

Claes Jansz(oon) Visscher, born on April 23, 1587, in Amsterdam, was a quintessential figure of the Dutch Golden Age, a period renowned for its flourishing culture, science, and trade. Coming from a family of artists, his father, Jan Claesz Visscher, was an engraver who likely introduced Claes to the intricacies of the craft from a young age. This early exposure to engraving and drawing under his father's mentorship laid the groundwork for Claes's illustrious career in cartography.

Claes's education in the arts was typical of the time, where young artists would apprentice under a master, learning through observation and practice. Given his family background, Claes would have had an intimate knowledge of the techniques of engraving, which was a critical skill for mapmaking during the period.

Career and Contributions

Claes Jansz Visscher's career took off in the early 17th century, a time when Amsterdam was becoming the epicenter of global trade and, consequently, cartography. Maps were not just navigational tools but also symbols of power and knowledge, reflecting the wealth and curiosity of the Dutch Republic. Visscher's maps were distinguished by their artistic embellishments, including coats of arms, allegorical figures, and scenes from mythology or daily life, which made them as much works of art as they were functional maps.

Claes Jansz. Visscher apprenticed with Cornelis Claesz., the foremost publisher of maps and pilot guides at the time. This collaboration is evidenced by several works, including maps and engravings, where Visscher's contributions are acknowledged. Visscher's apprenticeship or close working relationship with publishers like Cornelis Claesz was pivotal in shaping his career in mapmaking and engraving.

One of his early notable works was a map of the British Isles in 1616, which demonstrated his capability to blend geographical accuracy with artistic flair. This map, like many of his others, was highly sought after by collectors and navigators alike. His maps often included detailed town views, which were in vogue, providing a visual record of cities and landscapes as they appeared at the time.

The "Orbis Terrarum Typus" and Other Works

In 1638, Visscher produced one of his most celebrated works, the "Orbis Terrarum Typus," which was engraved by Pieter Goos. This map was notable for its hemispheric presentation of the world, reflecting the latest geographical knowledge while maintaining Visscher's signature decorative style.

Visscher's work also included significant contributions to regional cartography. His maps of the Netherlands were particularly detailed, reflecting the importance of accurate maps for trade and defense in a region crisscrossed by waterways and crisscrossed with political boundaries.

Legacy and Influence

Claes Jansz Visscher's influence on cartography was profound. His maps were not only used for navigation but also as status symbols, adorning the walls of the wealthy and educated. His style, characterized by detailed engraving and artistic embellishments, set a standard that influenced other cartographers of his time and beyond.

Visscher's business acumen was also noteworthy. He was not just a mapmaker but also a publisher who understood the market for cartographic products. His publications included atlases and individual maps, which were often sold in sets or bound together by purchasers, indicating a savvy approach to the market's demands.

Death and Continuation of Legacy

Claes Jansz Visscher died on June 19, 1652, in Amsterdam. His son, Nicolaes Claesz Visscher, continued the family business, maintaining the high standards set by his father. The Visscher name remained synonymous with quality in cartography for several generations, illustrating the lasting impact of Claes's work.

Conclusion

Claes Jansz Visscher's biography is not just about the life of a mapmaker but is emblematic of the Dutch Golden Age's spirit of exploration, artistry, and commerce. His maps were instruments of discovery, tools for governance, and canvases for artistic expression, making him one of the most influential cartographers of his era. Through his work, Visscher captured the world as it was known, leaving a legacy that continues to be admired for its blend of beauty and precision.

Antique Maps - A Collector's Guide

For nearly a century the members of the Visscher family were important art dealers and map publishers in Amsterdam. The founder of the business, Claes Janszoon Visscher, had premises near to those of Pieter van den Keere and Jodocus Hondius whose pupil he may have been.

From about 1620 he designed a number of individual maps, including one of the British Isles, but his first atlas consisted of maps printed from plates bought from van den Keere and issued as they stood with some additions of his own, including historical scenes of battles and sieges for which he had a high reputation.

Some maps bear the latinized form of the family name: Piscator. After Visscher's death his son and grandson, both of the same name, issued a considerable number of atlases, constantly revised and brought up to date but most of them lacking an index and with varying contents.

The widow of Nicholaes Visscher II carried on the business until it finally passed into the hands of Pieter Schenk.

(Moreland & Bannister).

Antique maps of the North Pole
Antique maps of Russia
Antique maps of Eastern Europe
Antique maps of Scandinavia
Old books, maps and prints by Claes Janszoon Visscher