Antique Map of Andalusia, 1638.

Striking antique map of Andalusia published by jan Janssonius and Henricus Hondius in the 17th century (1638) and in amazing condition. The map belongs to the work Atlas Novus which was then published by both. The engravings were made by Janssonius, who was then a prestigious engraver and publisher. This map depicts the Spanish region of Andalusia, carefully drawn and with its main geographical features, cities and villages. The map was originally painted by hand over the black engravings: the mountain ranges, borders and other details stand out for the proper use of red, sepia-toned, pink, blue and yellow watercolors. The map is strikingly preserved, with no torn or stained parts. At the back there is a detailed printed text that describes the region of Andalusia in Latin, just like it was known in the 17th century. At the bottom of the map, two beautiful cartouches provide detailed information: to the left, a lion flanked by columns holds a sheet with the printed inscription ANDALUZIA continens SEVILLAM ET CORDUBAM; to the right, two small angels hold the cartouche with the scale. At the top left corner we can see the Portuguese coat-of-arms, and to the right, the coat of arms of Aragon. Under the map, a fine wind rose indicates the geographical position. So beautiful and evocative, this antique map of Andalusia is a historic document that exudes authenticity. Measurements: Paper: Width: 22 in / 57 cm. Height: 18 in / 48 cm. Engraving: Width: 19.6 in / 50 cm. Height: 18 in / 48 cm.Jan Janssonius History Jan Janssonius (Johannes Janssonius, 1588-1664) was a Dutch cartographer and published, famous for his contribution to the Hondius Atlas. The relationship between Janssonius and Hondius started in 1612, when the first married Jodocus Hondiuss daughter, Elisabeth de Hondt. Janssonius was the son of a Dutch published and bookseller. He produced his first maps of France and Italy in 1616. In 1623 he owned a bookstore in Frankfurt am Main and later he opened other shops in different European cities. In 1630 Janssonius teamed up with his brother in law, Henricus Hondius, and they started publishing the famous Mercator/Hondius/Janssonius atlases. Under the Atlas Novus name, in 1638 the work was composed of three volumes; in 1646, a volume with English County Maps came out. In 1660 the work changed its name for Atlas Major it already consisted of eleven volumes with the work of about a hundred credited authors and engravers. It included a town atlas, an Atlas Maritimus and the Atlas of Heavens by Andreas Cellarius. After Janssoniuss death, the publishing company was continued by his son-in-law, Johannes van Waesberg.