Jansson, Jan “Magnae Britanniae et Hiberniae Nova Descriptio"

Jan Jansson.  “Magnae Britanniae et Hiberniae Nova Descriptio.” 

Amsterdam: Jan Jansson, [1640].  16 3/4 x 21.   Engraving.  Hand color.  Some minor wear and separation along center fold at top.  Else, good condition.  Not examined out of frame. Mat is acidic.  Sold as is.  A/A 

Jan Jansson was one of the members of the great atlas publishing firm begun by Jodocus Hondius, who had acquired Gerard Mercator’s plates and began to issue updated editions of Mercator’s Atlas beginning in 1606.  Jansson married Jodocus Hondius’ daughter and with his brother-in-law, Henricus Hondius, continued as a map publisher into the middle of the seventeenth century.  This elegant map of the British Islands is an updated version of an earlier Hondius map and it is a prime example of the best of Dutch mapmaking.  Extensive detail of rivers and settlements are shown throughout, with the counties indicated.  An inset in the top right depicts the Orkney Islands and the map is graced with a number of decorative features, including two cartouches and the Royal British coat-of-arms.  Also featured are a number of sailing ships, compass roses and a delightful sea monster near the top.  A most attractive map of the isles.