Maps by Willem and Joan Blaeu, 15th/16th century

Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) and Joan Blaeu (1596-1673) were father and son map makers, astronomers, and cartographers from the Netherlands. They are considered to be among the most important figures in the history of cartography and are known for their detailed and accurate maps of the world.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu, who was born in Alkmaar, Netherlands, studied cartography, astronomy and mathematics in Amsterdam, later established himself as a globe and instrument maker, after that he started to publish maps and atlases. In 1630, he established a cartographic printing press in Amsterdam, which was one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in Europe. He is considered to be one of the founders of the Dutch school of cartography, which was known for its highly detailed and accurate maps.

Joan Blaeu, Willem's son, worked with his father in the cartographic printing press, and after his more... father's death in 1638, he took over the business and continued to produce maps and atlases. He published many important works, including the "Atlas Maior," which was one of the most comprehensive and detailed atlases of the world that had ever been produced at that time, it was said to have contained around 593 maps and around 3,000 pages.

Both father and son's maps and atlases were widely used by sailors, merchants, and scholars, and they were considered to be among the most accurate and detailed maps of their time. They also contributed to the progress of knowledge, by adding new information and correcting errors in existing maps and by promoting new surveying and cartographic techniques. less...