Rare Old Map of Brazil's Coastline by Blaeu, 1662: Pernambuco, Itamaracá, Recife, Olinda, Sugar Cane, Ships

The "Praefecturae Paranambucae Pars Borealis una cum Praefectura de Itamaraca," crafted by the esteemed cartographer Johannes Blaeu in 1662, is a masterpiece that captures the intricate beauty and historical significance of the Brazilian coastline. This map, one of the first to reflect Dutch rather than Portuguese interests in Brazil, is a testament to the meticulous work of Blaeu and the broader efforts of the Dutch West India Company. It highlights the capitanias of Pernambuca and Itamarica, regions that were pivotal during the Dutch occupation of Brazil. The map's detailed cartouches, coats of arms, and decorative elements provide a glimpse into the artistic and cultural influences of the time.

Johannes Blaeu, a prominent figure in the world of cartography, was part of the renowned Blaeu family, whose maps and atlases set the standard for quality and accuracy in the 17th century. Blaeu's work on this map was part of a larger project commissioned by Count Johan Maurits, the Governor-General of Dutch Brazil, to document the region's flora, fauna, climate, inhabitants, religion, and languages. This map first appeared in Gaspar Barleus' "Rerum per Octennium in Brasilia," a seminal work that remains one of the finest documentations of Brazil ever produced. Blaeu's maps were later included in his grand "Atlas Maior," further cementing his legacy as a master cartographer.

The map's design is both functional and decorative, featuring highly embellished cartouches, coats of arms, and artistic depictions of ships and sea battles. The upper quarter of the map is particularly striking, showcasing the commercially important sugar cane industry, which was a cornerstone of the Brazilian economy during the Dutch occupation. The intricate details and vibrant illustrations not only serve as a navigational tool but also as a piece of art that reflects the economic and cultural landscape of 17th-century Brazil.

Geographically, the map provides a detailed depiction of the Brazilian coastline, including rivers, waterways, and mountain ranges. The capitanias of Pernambuca and Itamarica are meticulously outlined, with faint lines indicating where the map sheets overlapped for larger wall maps. The inclusion of geographic coordinates and scales further enhances the map's utility for navigation and exploration. The depiction of forested areas and vegetation also offers insights into the natural environment of the region during that period.

Historically, this map is significant as it represents a period when the Dutch West India Company controlled parts of Brazil. The detailed documentation of the sugar cane industry, maritime activities, and the region's natural and human geography provides a valuable snapshot of a transformative era in Brazilian history. The artistic embellishments and Latin inscriptions add to the map's allure, making it not just a navigational tool but a historical artifact that captures the essence of Dutch Brazil.

Cities and towns on this map

• Recife: Modern-day population of approximately 1.6 million.
• Olinda: Modern-day population of approximately 390,000.
• Itamaracá: Modern-day population of approximately 25,000.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Sugar cane industry scene in the upper quarter of the map.
• Cartouches with decorative elements.
• Coats of arms for Pernambuca and Itamarica.
• Ships depicted in the ocean.
• A sea battle scene.
• Compass rose with directional lines.
• Notularum Explicatio (explanatory notes) in the bottom left corner.
• Decorative border around the map.
• Faint lines indicating where map sheets overlapped for wall maps.
• Detailed depiction of the coastline.
• Rivers and waterways.
• Forested areas and vegetation.
• Mountain ranges.
• Inhabitants depicted in the sugar cane industry scene.
• Various types of ships, indicating maritime activities.
• Depiction of buildings and structures in the sugar cane industry scene.
• Artistic embellishments around the cartouches and coats of arms.
• Latin inscriptions and labels for regions and features.
• Geographic coordinates and scales.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1662
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Johannes Blaeu
• Context about the mapmaker: Johannes Blaeu was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher. He was part of the Blaeu family, renowned for their high-quality maps and atlases.
• First appearance: The map first appeared in Barleus' "Rerum per Octennium in Brasilia et alibi nuper gesterum sub Praefectura Illustrissimi Comitis I. Mavritii, Nassoviae, &c…" published by Blaeu in 1647.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Coastal regions: The map covers the capitanias of Pernambuca and I. Tamarica, highlighting the Brazilian coastline.
• Dutch influence: It is one of the first maps of Brazil based on Dutch rather than Portuguese interest.
• Sugar cane industry: The upper quarter of the map depicts the important sugar cane industry.
• Maritime activities: The map includes ships and a sea battle, emphasizing maritime activities.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Brazil: Specifically, the capitanias of Pernambuca (Pernambuco) and Itamaraca.
• Design and style:
• Highly embellished: The map features cartouches, coats of arms, ships, and a sea battle.
• Artistic elements: Includes a large scene depicting the sugar cane industry.
• Historical significance:
• Dutch Brazil: Reflects the period when the Dutch West India Company controlled parts of Brazil and appointed Count Johan Maurits as Governor-General.
• Documentation of Brazil: Part of a broader effort to document the flora, fauna, climate, inhabitants, religion, and languages of Brazil's coastal provinces.

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.

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.