Rare Old Map of Duchies of Jülich, Cleves & Berg by Visscher, 1690: Düsseldorf, Essen, Cologne, Bonn, Dortmund
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries, including Australia
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. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Free delivery will gradually get slower towards Christmas, as postal services start to struggle with larger volumes of post. I recommend ordering sooner rather than later to make sure you get everything with time to spare.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend $90 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- Framing & personalisation available
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30 day money back guarantee
30 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
During the Christmas period, we have an extended returns period of 60 days.
For personalised and customised items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell your personalised order.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
- The model holds the 16x20in (40x50cm) map
Custom size and finish
If you are looking for a size or finish that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Germany as depicted in this detailed map from the 17th century. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age, this exquisite piece captures the Duchies of Jülich and Cleves & Berg, offering a unique glimpse into the political landscape of the era. The map, whose full name translates to 'Duchies of Jülich, Cleves, and Berg, as well as the Archbishopric of Cologne and other regions adjacent to the Rhine River', provides an in-depth view of these regions and their intricate divisions.
The cities of Düsseldorf, Essen, Cologne, Bonn, and Dortmund are prominently featured, each marked with meticulous precision that speaks to Visscher's craftsmanship. Düsseldorf, known for its pioneering influence in the arts and fashion, is beautifully rendered. Essen, a city steeped in industrial history, stands out with its distinct representation. Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city known for its High Gothic architecture, is vividly portrayed.
Further south, the map highlights Bonn, a city that played a significant role in Germany's political history as the capital of West Germany during the Cold War. Dortmund, an influential city in the Ruhr area, is also distinctly featured. Each city's depiction provides a fascinating snapshot of its significance during the period, making this map not only a work of art but also a piece of history.
The map also beautifully illustrates the Rhine River, a major European waterway that played a crucial role in trade and transportation. The river's winding path through the various Duchies and Archbishoprics is depicted with an accuracy that reflects Visscher's attention to detail. This map, with its rich historical context and artistic mastery, is a must-have for any collector or history enthusiast.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Duchy of Jülich
- Düsseldorf: Known as the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia state, Düsseldorf was historically part of the Duchy of Jülich. It was known for its pioneering influence in the arts and fashion.
- Cologne (Köln): An ancient city dating back to Roman times, Cologne was the largest city in the region and known for its High Gothic architecture.
- Bonn: Once the capital of West Germany during the Cold War, Bonn was a significant city in the Duchy of Jülich.
- Aachen: Known as Aix-la-Chapelle in French, Aachen was historically a prominent royal city where German kings were crowned.
- Mönchengladbach: Founded in the 12th century, Mönchengladbach was known for its textile industry.
Duchy of Cleves
- Cleves (Kleve): The capital of the Duchy, Cleves was the home of Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England.
- Wesel: An important trading city, Wesel was known for its strategic location on the Rhine River.
- Emmerich am Rhein: Known for its beautiful Rhine promenade, Emmerich am Rhein was a significant city in the Duchy of Cleves.
- Goch: Founded in the 13th century, Goch was known for its fortified walls and towers.
- Kalkar: Known for its well-preserved medieval cityscape, Kalkar was a significant city in the Duchy of Cleves.
Duchy of Berg
- Solingen: Known as the "City of Blades", Solingen was famous for its sword and knife production.
- Remscheid: An important industrial city, Remscheid was known for its tool production.
- Wuppertal: Known for its unique suspended monorail system, Wuppertal was a significant city in the Duchy of Berg.
- Leverkusen: Leverkusen was historically known for its association with the Bayer pharmaceutical company.
- Bergisch Gladbach: Known for its paper industry, Bergisch Gladbach was a significant city in the Duchy of Berg.
Archbishopric of Cologne
- Cologne (Köln): As the seat of the Archbishopric, Cologne was one of the most important ecclesiastical and trade cities in the Holy Roman Empire.
- Bonn: Known for its university, founded in 1777, Bonn was a significant city in the Archbishopric of Cologne.
- Aachen: Aachen Cathedral was one of the most famous examples of occidental architecture.
- Düsseldorf: Known for its Academy of Fine Arts, Düsseldorf was a significant city in the Archbishopric of Cologne.
- Münster: Known for the signing of the Peace of Westphalia ending the Thirty Years' War in 1648.
Notable Natural Phenomena
- Rhine River: A major European waterway, the Rhine River was and still is a crucial route for trade and transportation.
- Ruhr River: A tributary of the Rhine, the Ruhr River was historically important for coal transportation.
- Sieg River: Known for its beautiful landscapes, the Sieg River is a popular destination for nature lovers.
- Bergisches Land: A low mountain range, Bergisches Land is known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
- Eifel National Park: Known for its unique flora and fauna, Eifel National Park is a popular destination for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Notable Historical Events
- Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): This devastating war across central Europe significantly impacted the region, particularly the Archbishopric of Cologne.
- Peace of Westphalia (1648): The series of peace treaties signed in Münster and Osnabrück ended the Thirty Years' War.
- Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678): This conflict involved France's invasion of the Dutch Republic, with battles occurring near the Rhine River.
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.
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.
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.
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