1640 Nova Virginiae Tabula
By: Willem Janszoon Blaeu
Date: 1640 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 14.75 x 19 inches (37.5 x 48.25 cm)
This is an authentic, antique map of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area derived from Captain John Smith’s map of 1612. The map was published by the Blaeu family in Amsterdam circa 1640.
This is one of the earliest and most influential maps of the early colonial era. Immediately following the establishment of Jamestown, Captain John Smith spent three years exploring the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding area. This map presents the geographic information attained through his explorations as well as Native American accounts used to delineate territories further upriver. The extent of Captain Smith’s firsthand knowledge of the area reaches the Maltese crosses. Everything beyond is based on Native American reports.
This example is the second state of the original map, first engraved by Jodocus Hondius in 1618 and purchased by the Blaeu family in the 1630s. Due to the success and vast reach of Blaeu’s Atlases this map became a great influence to map makers or several decades and is regarded as the most accurate map for the region of its time. On early examples of the map, such as this one, the ghost engraving of Jodocus Hondius can be seen underneath Blaeu’s signature.
Several English and Native American place names are noted throughout including Jamestown and numerous Native American villages. In the upper left corner is an engraving of the great Indian chief, Powhatan, seated on his throne and surrounded by his subjects. A Susquehanna chief is depicted on the right under the British coat-of-arms and a key cartouche.
Ref: Burden #193
Condition: This map is in A+ condition with full margins and exceptional hand coloring.
Inventory #18690
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