Rare Old Map of Prussia by Visscher, 1690: Gdańsk, Elbląg, Klaipėda, Kaliningrad, Brodnicki Park Krajobrazowy

This exquisite map, titled 'Tabula Prussiae, with inset illustration of the city of Konigsberg', is a testament to the mastery of Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age. Created in 1690, the map presents a detailed depiction of Prussia, a historical region that straddles the modern-day areas of Germany and Poland.

The map, in Latin, is translated to 'Map of Prussia, with inset illustration of the city of Konigsberg'. It offers a wealth of information about the political divisions and regions of the time. The focus of the map is on Prussia, providing an intriguing glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the 17th century.

Five significant locations are highlighted on this map: Gdańsk, Elbląg, Klaipėda, Kaliningrad, and Brodnicki Park Krajobrazowy. Each city is marked with meticulous precision, reflecting the mapmaker's attention to detail. The inset illustration of the city of Konigsberg, now known as Kaliningrad, adds an extra layer of historical context to this map.

The map also showcases notable landmarks and natural phenomena. The city of Gdańsk, for instance, is situated at the mouth of the Motława River, by the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay. Elbląg, another city on the map, is located on the Elbląg River, which was a significant trade route in the 17th century. Klaipėda, a city in Lithuania, is depicted on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The map also features Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. Lastly, the Brodnicki Park Krajobrazowy, a landscape park in Poland, is also marked, highlighting the region's natural beauty.

This 'Tabula Prussiae' is more than just a map; it is a historical artifact that takes you back to the 17th century, revealing the intricate political and geographical landscape of Prussia. Its detailed representation of cities, landmarks, and natural phenomena makes it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a map collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine artistry, this map by Nicolaes Visscher II offers a unique blend of historical insight and aesthetic appeal.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Kingdom of Prussia

1. Berlin - Known as Colln until 1709, it was the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg, a major principality of the Holy Roman Empire.
2. Königsberg - Now known as Kaliningrad, it was the capital of the Duchy of Prussia and a significant port on the Pregel River.
3. Danzig - Known today as Gdańsk, it was a major Baltic port and city-state.
4. Breslau - Now known as Wrocław, it was the capital of Silesia and one of the largest cities of the Holy Roman Empire.
5. Stettin - Known today as Szczecin, it was a major port city in Pomerania.
6. Magdeburg - It was a significant city of the Holy Roman Empire, known for its Cathedral and its status as a key Protestant center.
7. Halle - Known for its salt production, it was a member of the Hanseatic League.
8. Dresden - The capital city of the Electorate of Saxony, known for its stunning Baroque architecture.
9. Leipzig - A major cultural center, known for its trade fairs and university.
10. Rostock - Known for its university, the oldest in Northern Europe, and its status as a member of the Hanseatic League.
11. Lübeck - Known as the "Queen of the Hanseatic League" for its status as a major trading hub.
12. Hamburg - Another significant member of the Hanseatic League, known for its port.
13. Bremen - A key member of the Hanseatic League, known for its maritime trade.
14. Münster - Known for the signing of the Peace of Westphalia, ending the Thirty Years' War.
15. Cologne - A major city of the Holy Roman Empire, known for its cathedral and university.
16. Frankfurt - Known for its trade fairs and as the location of the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.
17. Nuremberg - Known for its crafts and arts, particularly Albrecht Dürer and its toys.
18. Heidelberg - Known for its university, the oldest in Germany.
19. Stuttgart - Known for its vineyards and wine production.
20. Mannheim - Known for its palace, one of the largest Baroque palaces in Europe.
21. Augsburg - Known for its trade and the Fugger banking family.
22. Munich - The capital of Bavaria, known for its beer and the Hofbräuhaus.
23. Regensburg - Known for its well-preserved medieval city center.
24. Passau - Known for its location at the confluence of three rivers.
25. Salzburg - Known for its fortress and as the birthplace of Mozart.
26. Vienna - The capital of Austria, known for its court and the Habsburgs.
27. Graz - Known for its well-preserved old town and the Schlossberg.
28. Linz - Known for its location on the Danube and its old cathedral.
29. Innsbruck - Known for its location in the Alps and the Golden Roof.
30. Bolzano - Known for its location in the Dolomites and as a trading hub.

Notable Boundaries and Natural Phenomena

1. The Baltic Sea - A major trading route and the location of many Hanseatic League cities.
2. The Rhine River - A significant boundary and trade route.
3. The Danube River - Another major trade route, flowing through multiple capital cities.
4. The Harz Mountains - Known for their natural beauty and mining history.
5. The Black Forest - A popular tourist destination known for its dense, dark forests.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

1. The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) - A major conflict that devastated much of the Holy Roman Empire.
2. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) - The series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War.
3. The Great Elector's reign (1640-1688) - The rule of Frederick William, who transformed Brandenburg-Prussia into a major European power.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.