Norway - Jan Mayen island

J. Janssonius, Insulae Iohannis Mayen cum universo situ Sinuum et Promontoriorum. Amsterdam 1650. An exceptional and highly important mid-17th-century maritime chart of the Arctic volcanic island of Jan Mayen. Engraved and published in Amsterdam in 1650 by the prominent cartographer Johannes Janssonius (1588–1664), this map was featured in the milestone fifth volume of his Atlas Novus, titled Atlantis Majoris Quinta Pars (The 'Water-World'), widely recognized by cartographic historians as the first true sea atlas. Jan Mayen served as the primary operational base for the Dutch whaling industry (Noordsche Compagnie) during the Golden Age. This hydrographic chart is one of the earliest separate, dedicated prints focusing exclusively on the island. As a genuine nautical chart designed for navigation, the print features clean, functional maritime lines rather than land-based illustrations. It is finely detailed with multiple compass roses and crossing rhumb lines spanning the Arctic waters. The map outlines the island's distinctive elongated shape, identifying major bays, capes, and fishing grounds. The towering Beerenberg volcano dominates the northeastern portion (Noord-Jan), depicted as a striking mountain peak rising abruptly from the ocean. The chart is decorated with 17th-century Dutch sailing vessels navigating the rough northern waters, along with a spouting whale. In the lower right corner, the map features a beautifully engraved title cartouche proudly flanked by two traditional fishermen/whalers holding maritime equipment, emphasizing the island's economic importance to the Dutch Republic. In Original Hand-Color! Dimensions: 40,5 x 51,3 cm (engraving), 50 x 59,7 cm (paper). Good condition, tear in lower middle fold with old restoration.

Estimate:£418.59

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