Rare Old Map of Friesland and Groningen by Visscher, 1690: Oldenburg, Zwolle, Leeuwarden, Emmen, Kampen

Step back in time with this meticulously detailed map of Friesland and Groningen, created by the esteemed mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Known for his precision and attention to detail, Visscher II brings to life the rich topography and intricate political boundaries of the region, during a time when the Dutch Republic was a major global power.

The full name of the map, 'Tabula Frisiae, Groningae, et Territorii Emdensis nec non circumjacentium Regionum, puta Transisalaniae, Benthemiae, Westphalae et Oldenburgi', translates to 'Map of Friesland, Groningen, and the Territory of Emden, as well as the surrounding regions, namely Transisalania, Bentheim, Westphalia, and Oldenburg'. This expansive coverage provides a comprehensive view of the northern Netherlands and northwestern Germany during the late 17th century.

The map features several significant cities and landmarks. Oldenburg, a key city in Lower Saxony, Germany, is depicted with its historical boundaries. Zwolle, the capital city of the province of Overijssel, Netherlands, is also prominently featured. The cities of Leeuwarden, the cultural hub of Friesland; Emmen, a large town in Drenthe; and Kampen, a city of the province of Overijssel, are also detailed on the map.

The historical and geographical significance of this map is undeniable. It provides a unique perspective on the region during a time of significant political and cultural shifts. This map is not just a piece of cartography; it's a window into the past, offering insights into the geographical knowledge and political landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. A true treasure for any collector or history enthusiast.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Friesland

• Leeuwarden: The cultural hub of Friesland, historically known as 'Liwwadden'.
• Sneek: Known for its historic city centre, which has over 100 listed buildings.
• Franeker: Home to the oldest operational planetarium in the world.
• Harlingen: A significant seaport town in the Dutch Golden Age.
• Heerenveen: Known for its long-standing tradition in speed skating.
• Drachten: A rapidly growing town in the 17th century.
• Dokkum: Known for its fortified town center.
• IJlst: Known for its scenic canals and historic buildings.
• Bolsward: A trading city, known for its stunning architecture.
• Workum: Known for its ceramic industry.

Groningen

• Groningen: The largest city in the north of the Netherlands.
• Veendam: Known as the 'Parkstad' (Park City) of Groningen.
• Winschoten: Known for its three historic windmills.
• Stadskanaal: Developed around the Stadskanaal (City Canal).
• Delfzijl: An important seaport in the province of Groningen.
• Hoogezand-Sappemeer: Known for its peat colonies.
• Leek: Known for the 'borg Nienoord', a manor with beautiful gardens.
• Zuidhorn: Known for the historic 'Van Starkenborgh' canal.
• Haren: Known for its beautiful villas and the Hortus Haren, a botanical garden.
• Appingedam: Known for its hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Ems River: A major river in northwestern Germany.
• Wadden Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dollart Bay: A bay in the Wadden Sea.
• Ijsselmeer: The largest lake in Western Europe.
• Teutoburg Forest: A historic forest in Westphalia.

Notable Historical Events

• The Battle of Nieuwpoort (1600): A significant battle in the Dutch War of Independence.
• The Synod of Dort (1618-1619): A significant religious assembly during the Dutch Golden Age.
• The Treaty of Münster (1648): The treaty that ended the Eighty Years' War and recognized the Dutch Republic.

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.