Rare Old Map of Peru by Blaeu, 1630: Lima, Andes, Sea Monsters, Compass Rose, Decorative Cartouche

Behold the exquisite "Peru" map, crafted by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu in 1630. This early map is a testament to the meticulous artistry and geographical knowledge of the Dutch Golden Age. Blaeu, a master mapmaker, created this piece as part of his illustrious "Atlas novus," a work that stood as a formidable competitor to the Mercator-Hondius-Jansson atlas. The map is oriented with east at the top, offering a unique perspective on the viceroyalty of Peru, which, at the time, encompassed not only modern-day Peru but also parts of Ecuador and Chile.

The map is a visual feast, detailing nearly 100 place names, including prominent cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Quito. The viceroyalty's political boundaries are clearly delineated, reflecting the geopolitical landscape of the early 17th century. The map also highlights the region's famous mountainous terrain, with the Andes prominently depicted, showcasing the natural barriers that shaped the historical and cultural development of the area. Rivers and lakes are intricately drawn, adding to the map's comprehensive portrayal of the region's physical geography.

One of the most striking features of this map is its decorative elements. The large cartouche in the upper left corner, adorned with strapwork and garlands, houses the map's title and a double scale bar. This artistic flourish is complemented by a sizeable compass rose radiating rhumb lines into the sea, guiding the viewer's eye across the map. The ocean, labeled as "Mar del Zur," is patrolled by three sea monsters and four ships in full sail, symbolizing the thriving maritime trade centered on Lima's port, Callao.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its decorative appeal. It provides a snapshot of the viceroyalty of Peru during a period of immense wealth and cultural achievement in the Netherlands. This map, along with Henricus Hondius's, was one of the earliest atlas maps to focus on Peru, offering valuable insights into the region's geography and political boundaries at the time. The inclusion of Ecuador and Chile within the viceroyalty's borders underscores the vastness of Spanish colonial influence in South America.

Willem Blaeu's legacy as a cartographer is immortalized in this map. His dedication to accuracy and artistic excellence is evident in every detail, from the meticulous rendering of the Andes to the bustling port cities. After Blaeu's death in 1638, his son Joan continued to expand the "Atlas novus," culminating in the monumental "Atlas maior." This map of Peru stands as a testament to the Blaeu family's enduring impact on the world of cartography, offering a glimpse into the rich history and geography of a region that played a pivotal role in the Spanish Empire.

Cities and towns on this map

• Peru:
• Lima
• Cusco
• Arequipa
• Trujillo
• Huancavelica
• Ayacucho
• Puno
• Cajamarca
• Ica
• Huaraz
• Chachapoyas
• Huánuco
• Moquegua

• Tacna

• Ecuador:

• Quito
• Guayaquil
• Cuenca

• Loja

• Chile:

• Santiago
• Valparaíso
• Concepción

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Sea monsters in the ocean

• Four ships in full sail

• Bodies of water:

• Mar del Zur (Pacific Ocean)

• Borders:

• Political boundaries of the viceroyalty of Peru

• Mountains:

• Extensive mountainous terrain depicted, indicative of the Andes

• Other notable features:

• Large decorative cartouche in the upper left
• Compass rose with radiating rhumb lines

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Peru
• Creation date: 1630
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Willem Blaeu
• Willem Blaeu was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher during the Dutch Golden Age.
• Blaeu released the "Atlas novus" in 1635, competing with the Mercator-Hondius-Jansson atlas.
• After Willem’s death in 1638, his son Joan continued to add to the "Atlas novus," culminating in the monumental "Atlas maior."
• Historical significance:
• Early Map of Peru: One of the earliest atlas maps to focus on Peru, alongside a map by Henricus Hondius.
• Dutch Golden Age: Created during a period of great wealth and cultural achievement in the Netherlands.
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Political and physical details: Includes nearly 100 place names, lakes, rivers, political boundaries, and mountainous terrain.
• Viceroyalty of Peru: Shows the viceroyalty of Peru, a larger entity than modern-day Peru, including parts of Ecuador and Chile.
• Design and style:
• Orientation: The map is oriented with east at the top.
• Decorative elements: Features a large cartouche in the upper left with the title and scale bar, adorned with strapwork and garlands. A compass rose radiates rhumb lines into the sea, patrolled by sea monsters and ships.
• Reference to trade: Four ships in full sail reference the thriving trade centered on Lima’s sea port, Callao.

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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 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.