Rare "Twelve Caesars" World Map by Visscher, 1652: Mythical Islands, Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, etc.

Embark on a journey through time with the Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula, a masterpiece of cartography crafted by the renowned Dutch mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher in 1652. This map, a testament to the golden age of Dutch cartography, encapsulates the world as it was perceived in the 17th century, blending scientific discovery with the artistry of its era. Visscher, celebrated for his precision and skill, has created not merely a navigational tool but a historical document that captures the imagination, revealing a world on the cusp of the Age of Exploration. The map’s detailed depiction of continents, countries, and regions, alongside mythical islands such as Frisland and Brasil, offers a fascinating glimpse into the geographical knowledge and myths of the time.

The map's design and style are a feast for the eyes, characterized by its hand-colored engraving that brings to life the political landscape of the 17th century. The Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis is adorned with elaborate borders and vignettes that narrate the world beyond mere geography. The inclusion of the Twelve Caesars, mounted Roman emperors in the decorative borders, infuses the map with a sense of historical depth and grandeur. These emperors, each depicted in elaborate suits of armor, serve as guardians of the ancient world's knowledge, overseeing a map that is as much a political statement as it is a geographical one.

The Twelve Caesars are, in order, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian.

In addition to its political and historical significance, the map is a marvel of artistic embellishment. The Four Continents are personified in the corners, each represented in a manner that reflects the contemporary European perceptions of Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. These personifications, along with panels depicting the traditional dress of people from around the world and views of ports such as Baía de Todos os Santos and Havana, provide a vivid cultural context. The map’s borders are a canvas, illustrating the diversity of the human experience and the vastness of the world in a manner that is both educational and enchanting.

The Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis is not just a portrayal of the world's geography but a comprehensive narrative that includes depictions of sea creatures, sailing ships, sea monsters, and gods, alongside constellations and celestial phenomena. The inclusion of a depiction of the solar system and various bodies of water, from the Nile River to the Pacific Ocean, showcases Visscher’s ambition to encapsulate all known aspects of the world and beyond. This map transcends its function as a geographical guide, serving as a portal to the mysteries and marvels of the universe as understood in the 17th century.

Claes Janszoon Visscher’s Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula stands as a monument to the art of mapmaking and the enduring human quest for knowledge. It captures a world where the known and the mythical coexist, where the boundaries of exploration are constantly expanding. This map is not just a historical artifact; it is a window into the aspirations, fears, and wonders of a bygone era. Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a testament to the human spirit's unquenchable thirst for discovery and understanding.

Countries and regions on this map

• Africa
• America
• Asia
• Baía de Todos os Santos
• Brasil
• Frisland
• Greenland
• Havana
• Hy Brasil
• Jerusalem
• Magellanica
• Mexico City
• North America
• Pernambuco
• Rome
• South America
• Tunis
• Antarctica

Notable Features & Landmarks

• A depiction of the solar system is in the upper center.
• A decorative title cartouche is in the upper left.
• A decorative scale cartouche is in the lower right.
• Illustrations of various sea creatures surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sailing ships surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sea monsters surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sea gods surround the map.
• Illustrations of various wind gods surround the map.
• Illustrations of various constellations surround the map.
• Illustrations of various people in traditional dress from around the world surround the map.

Historical and design context

• Name: Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula Autore N I Piscator
• Date: 1652
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Claes Janszoon Visscher was a Dutch engraver and cartographer who was active in Amsterdam during the 17th century.
• The map is known as the Twelve Caesars Map, and is famous for the inclusion of the mounted Roman emperors in the decorative borders.
• The map is a political map that shows the countries and regions of the world as they were known in the 17th century.
• The map includes mythical islands such as Frisland and Brasil.
• Design and style: The map is a hand-colored engraving. The map is decorated with elaborate borders and vignettes, which illustrate the different countries and regions of the world.
• Historical significance: The map is a valuable historical document that provides a snapshot of the world as it was known in the 17th century. It is also a beautiful work of art, and is an important example of Dutch cartography.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.