Rare Old Map of The Seventeen Provinces by Visscher, 1690: Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Rotterdam, Antwerp

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with this intricate map of The Seventeen Provinces, meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The 'Novissima et accuratissima XVII provinciarum Germaniae Inferioris delineatio' or 'The Newest and Most Accurate Delineation of the Seventeen Provinces of Lower Germany' provides a captivating glimpse into the political and geographical divisions of the late 17th century Low Countries, which encompass modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Amsterdam, a city of great historical and cultural significance, stands out as a key feature on this map. Known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses, it was one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Brussels, another major city, is highlighted, providing a historical perspective on today's capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union.

Luxembourg, the world's only remaining grand duchy, is also represented on this map. This city, known for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs, has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. The bustling port city of Rotterdam, with its maritime heritage and modern architecture, and Antwerp, known for its diamond district and Flemish Renaissance architecture, are also prominently featured.

This map, beyond its aesthetic appeal, is a testament to the cartographic skills of the Visscher family and the rich history of the Low Countries. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the Seventeenth Provinces as they were in 1690, showcasing not only the major cities but also the smaller towns, regions, and landmarks that make up this historically significant area. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates fine details and craftsmanship, this map is a fascinating journey through time and geography.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

The Seventeen Provinces

• Amsterdam: Known for its artistic heritage, it was one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age.
• Brussels: Today's capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union.
• Luxembourg: The world's only remaining grand duchy, with a rich history dating back to the Roman era.
• Rotterdam: A bustling port city known for its maritime heritage and modern architecture.
• Antwerp: Known for its diamond district and Flemish Renaissance architecture.
• Ghent: Historically known as Gaunt in English, it was one of the richest and largest cities of northern Europe in the Middle Ages.
• Utrecht: An important religious center in the Netherlands with an ancient city center.
• Maastricht: Known for its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
• Liege: A major city of Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium.
• Namur: The capital of Wallonia, known for its strategic location at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers.
• Bruges: Known as "The Venice of the North" for its canals.
• Leuven: Home to the oldest Catholic university in the world.
• Dordrecht: Known as Dort in English, it was a major trade port during the Dutch Golden Age.
• Leiden: Known for its centuries-old architecture and Leiden University, the oldest in the Netherlands.
• 's-Hertogenbosch: Also known as Den Bosch, it was one of the leading cities in the Southern Netherlands.
• Groningen: Known for the University of Groningen and a lively cultural scene.
• Nijmegen: Known as the oldest city in the Netherlands.
• Haarlem: Known for its historical buildings and it was the center of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries.
• Arnhem: Known for its green urban character and a host to the World War II Battle of Arnhem.
• Breda: Known for its significant historic buildings.
• Zwolle: Known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical center.
• Alkmaar: Known for its cheese market.
• Deventer: One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it was known for its arts and book printing.
• Middelburg: Known for its significant historic buildings and canals.
• Leeuwarden: Known for its historic city center and cultural events.
• Tournai: Known as one of the oldest cities in Belgium.
• Mechelen: Known for its historic architecture and Mechelen bells.
• Aachen: Known for its palatine chapel and thermal springs.
• Bonn: Known as the birthplace of Beethoven and for its history dating back to the Roman era.
• Cologne: Known for its rich history, dating back to the Roman era, and its architectural heritage.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• The Rhine River: One of the major European rivers, which has its source in Switzerland and flows in the North Sea coast in the Netherlands.
• The Meuse River: A major European river, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea.
• The Scheldt River: A river that starts in France, runs through Belgium and out into the North Sea in the Netherlands.
• The Ardennes: A region of extensive forests, rolling hills and ridges in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.
• The Hoge Veluwe National Park: One of the Netherlands' largest national parks, known for its diverse landscapes.

Notable Historical Events

• The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648): A revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against the political and religious hegemony of Philip II of Spain.
• The Treaty of Münster (1648): A treaty that ended the Eighty Years' War and recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.
• The Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678): A war fought by France, Sweden, Münster, Cologne and England against the Dutch Republic, which was later joined by the Austrian Habsburg lands, Brandenburg-Prussia and Spain to form a coalition.

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.