Antique Map of Brazilian Guiana, 1638.

Fine antique map of the Guyana of the Amazon Kingdom (Brazil), made in the Netherlands by the prestigious engraver and publisher Jan Janssonius. The map is part of the Atlas Novus developed by Janssonius and his brother-in-law, the publisher Henricus Hondius. They also created another relevant mapping work, the Atlas Magnus. This map stands out for its simple and precise design and for the amazing condition it shows: the paper looks clean and even, with no traces of stains or foxing. The watercolor paintings were added in the same period and are designed to enhance some parts, as well as to provide the engraving with aesthetic interest. The coasts of the Guyana region are painted with yellow and dark grey watercolor, creating a curious feeling of relief and depth. The coast of the rest of the territories is colored with a subtle pink shade; the same can be said about the borders that separate the territories. The mountain ranges are painted in a fine ochre tone and the cartouches have been decorated with bright pink, blue, red, yellow and green colors. The lovely cartouche located at the top right corner contains the Latin name of the territory: GUIANA FIUE AMAZONUM REGIO. At the bottom we can see another small cartouche with the publishers signature, Henricus Hondius. At the back of the map we find a complete description of the Amazon Guyana printed in Latin. This outstanding antique map of the Guyana of the Amazon Kingdom is an exclusive piece, authentic and full of decorative power. Measurements: Paper: Width: 22.4 in / 57 cm. Height: 18.8 in / 48 cm. Engraving: Width: 19.2 in / 49 cm. Height: 14.5 in / 37 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.