Rare Old Map of Groningen and Omland by Visscher, 1690: Emden, Winschoten, Veendam, Delfzijl, Bourtange Fortress Museum

This magnificent map, titled 'Groningae et Omlandiae Dominium, vulgo De Provincie van Stadt en Lande', is a rich historical document that captures the essence of Groningen and Omland, a region now part of the modern Netherlands. The title translates to 'The Dominion of Groningen and Omland, commonly known as The Province of City and Land'. It was crafted in 1690 by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the illustrious Visscher family, who contributed significantly to the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking.

The map offers a detailed portrayal of the region, capturing its political divisions and geographical nuances with remarkable precision. It highlights five notable locations: Emden, Winschoten, Veendam, Delfzijl, and the Bourtange Fortress Museum (Stichting Vesting Bourtange). Each of these places holds historical significance and contributes to the overall charm of this map.

Emden, a seaport city in Lower Saxony, Germany, is depicted in its historical context, providing an insight into its maritime importance in the 17th century. Winschoten, Veendam, and Delfzijl, all significant Dutch towns, are also meticulously represented, each with its unique geographical and historical characteristics. The Bourtange Fortress Museum, a star-shaped fortress in the village of Bourtange, Groningen, is another key feature of this map, reflecting the military architecture of the period.

This map is not just a piece of art; it is a historical document that provides a snapshot of the region's past. It offers a fascinating look at the political and geographical landscape of Groningen and Omland during the 17th century. For historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts of Dutch history, this map serves as a valuable resource and a captivating visual journey back in time.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Groningen:

• Groningen: Known as the "Metropolis of the North", Groningen was a major city in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
• Winschoten: A historic city known for its three monumental windmills.
• Veendam: A town known for its peat extraction, which led to the formation of the region's characteristic canals.
• Delfzijl: A port city with a rich maritime history.
• Appingedam: Known for its hanging kitchens over the Damsterdiep.
• Stadskanaal: Named after the canal (Stadskanaal) that was used for peat shipping.
• Leek: Known for the Nienoord, a 19th-century grand country house.
• Zuidhorn: A historic town with several old houses and a church dating from the 13th century.
• Hoogezand-Sappemeer: Known for its shipbuilding industry.
• Haren: Known for its green environment and old Saxon farms in the town center.
• Grootegast: A small town with a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
• Bellingwolde: Known for its beautiful 17th-century mansions.
• Ter Apel: Known for the Ter Apel Monastery, a 15th-century monastery.
• Slochteren: Known for its 17th-century Fraeylemaborg, a fortified country house.
• Oude Pekela: Known for its peat extraction, which was a major industry in the 17th century.

Omland:

• Emden: A seaport city in Lower Saxony, Germany, known for its maritime importance in the 17th century.
• Bourtange: Known for the Bourtange Fortress, a star-shaped fortress.
• Oldersum: Known for its three windmills and the St. Nicholas Church.
• Norden: Known for its historic city center with several buildings from the 17th century.
• Leer: Known for its historic harbor and the Leeraner Miniaturland.
• Aurich: Known for its historic city center and the large pedestrian zone.
• Wittmund: Known for the Wittmund Bürgerweide, an area of open common land.
• Jever: Known for the Jever Castle and the Jever Brewery.
• Varel: Known for the Varel Castle and the Vareler harbor.
• Wilhelmshaven: Known for its large naval base and the Wattenmeerhaus Wilhelmshaven.
• Bremerhaven: Known for its maritime museums and the Bremerhaven Zoo.
• Cuxhaven: Known for its large beach and the Kugelbake, a historic sea sign.
• Stade: Known for its historic old town and the Stade Harbor.
• Buxtehude: Known for its old town and the Fleth, a small canal running through the city.
• Hamburg: Known as the "Gateway to the World", Hamburg was a major port city in the 17th century.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• Wadden Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique tidal flats ecosystem.
• Dollard Bay: A bay in the Wadden Sea, known for its rich birdlife.
• Lauwersmeer National Park: A national park known for its diverse flora and fauna.
• Ems River: A major river in northwestern Germany and northeastern Netherlands.
• Harz Mountains: The highest mountain range in Northern Germany.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

• Eighty Years' War (1568–1648): The Dutch revolt against the rule of Habsburg Spain leading to the formation of the Dutch Republic.
• Treaty of Westphalia (1648): Ended the Eighty Years' War and recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.
• Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678): A conflict between the Dutch Republic and France, England, Münster, and Cologne.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.