1630 World : Willem Blaeu

One of the most important and influential examples of seventeenth century cartography, this world map was incorporated into the Blaeu FamilyÕs atlases from 1630 to 1658. As a famous landmark map, it was widely copied by other prominent, competitive Dutch cartographers. The world here is drawn on MercatorÕs projection which is still in use today. Although the map contains a comprehensive amount of geographical data, it is best known for the innovation of its elaborate border illustrations. The upper border is seven vignettes representing the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The bottom border contains vignette scenes of the Seven Wonders of the World. At left are representations of the four physical elements while at the right are vignettes representing the four seasons.