Known World by Speed (c1630)

One of the most famous and sought after cards of seventeenth-century America. Blaeu’s famous work is considered one of the peaks of Dutch cartographic production. When it was first published as a loose print, in 1618, the map summarized all the most up-to-date map information of the time and was considered an important point of reference for the production of other maps until the middle of the century.

The publisher, Willem Janszoon, adopted the name Blaeu to avoid confusion with Jan Janszoon and changed his name to the third state of the card, starting in 1621. The decorative panels on the sides include vivid representations of Native Americans with their costumes from Virginia, Florida, California (Nove Albions) and other areas. He altered his own name on the 3rd state of the map beginning in 1621.

The panels along with the top edge show views of nine cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and Havana. California is still depicted as a peninsula and only one of the Great Lakes is reported. Developing colonies are depicted along the eastern coastal borders, the French in Canada and the British in Virginia (the Jamestown encampment).

One of the best known and sought after seventeenth-century maps of America. Blaeu’s famous carte a figure map of America is regarded as a high point in Dutch cartography. When first published, around 1618 as a separate issue, the map summarized the most up-to-date cartography and influenced numerous other map publications until mid-century.

The publisher, Willem Janszoon, adopted the name Blaeu to avoid confusion with Jan Janszoon and altered his own name on the 3rd state of the map beginning in 1621. The decorative side panels include vivid representations of Native Americans from Virginia, Florida, California (Nine Albions) and other areas in a characteristic dress. The panels across the top border offer nine city views including Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and Havana. California is still shown as a peninsula: only one Great Lake is seen. Developing colonies can be seen along the eastern seaboard of North America, the French in Canada and the English in Virginia (the Jamestown settlement).