Contemporary hand-colored engraving by Gerard Mercator, 1620
€475.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 46 cm × 36 cm , created by Gerard Mercator as a fine example of Contemporary hand-colored engraving work from the 17th Century (1600s).
It is preserved in Very Good condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
Westfalia Cum Diocesi Bremensi is a decorative handcoloured map of Westphalia created by Gerard Mercator around 1620. The engraving shows the region of Westphalia and parts of Friesland with striking clarity and balance. Its strong colouring and ornate cartouche give the piece both geographic precision and artistic beauty.
This antique map of Westphalia measures 36 x 46 cm and is in very good condition. The contemporary handcolouring remains bright and well-preserved, enhancing the fine engraving lines. Collectors value this antique map of Westphalia for its craftsmanship, historical importance, and timeless visual appeal, hallmarks of Mercator’s celebrated work. VAT: Margingoods, no VAT.
Make sure to check out all our antique map collection.
Gerardus Mercator (1512–1594) was a Flemish geographer, cartographer, and cosmographer best known for creating the Mercator projection, a groundbreaking map projection introduced in 1569 that represents rhumb lines as straight lines, an invaluable tool for marine navigation.
Born in Rupelmonde, Flanders (now Belgium), he gained early acclaim with maps of Palestine (1537), the world (1538), and Flanders (1539/40). Mercator also produced globes and published a large, detailed map of Europe in 1554. Despite hardships including imprisonment for heresy, he developed a new method of mapmaking that allowed sailors to plot straight-line courses over long distances. He was also the first to publish an atlas as a collection of maps in book form and updated Ptolemy’s maps with corrections and commentary. His innovations significantly advanced cartography during the Renaissance and his legacy persists in modern navigation.
The 17th century greatly advanced mapmaking and printmaking, with copperplate engraving enabling cartographers to create detailed and accurate maps. During the Dutch Golden Age, increased trade and exploration boosted the demand for maps, turning map printing into a major industry. Skilled engravers carved designs into copper plates, applied ink, and pressed paper to produce fine prints. After printing, artisans hand-colored maps to enhance their beauty and clarity. Copperplate printing replaced woodcuts, offering smoother lines and finer details. Renowned mapmakers like Blaeu, Janssonius, and Hondius combined scientific knowledge with artistic skill. This era produced remarkable atlases, such as Joan Blaeu’s Atlas Maior. Maps not only charted geography but reflected political power, trade routes, and scientific discoveries. Printed maps became essential for navigation, colonization, and education. Dutch publishers led Europe’s map market, shaping global cartographic standards. These original maps remain prized for their detail and artistry, influencing future mapmaking and holding high value for collectors and museums today.
| Dimensions | 46 × 36 cm |
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| Artist | |
| Condition | |
| Era | |
| Frame | No Frame |
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| Technique | Contemporary hand-colored engraving |
| Publish Date | 1620 |
Our antique prints are carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
Smaller prints are shipped in acid-free, flat protective packaging, while larger works are securely rolled and sent in a sturdy tube to preserve their condition.
Netherlands: €7.50 —
European Union: €15
Outside the EU: On request (contact us for an exact quote)
We offer custom framing for all prints, from classic antique frames to contemporary minimalist styles.
Choose any print from the collection
We discuss frame styles, materials & pricing
The print will be professionally framed and shipped via courier for maximum safety
If you would like your print framed, please contact us, we are happy to advise on styles and options.
Our highest classification. These prints are clean, bright, and exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a strong and crisp image. No notable imperfections.
Prints in this condition show a clean, sharp image. Paper quality or margin size may vary slightly. Minor age-related characteristics, such as small wormholes, light toning, or tiny separations may be present depending on the print date.
No major imperfections. Any minor flaws or historical repairs are fully noted in the product description. Overall a well-preserved and collectible piece.
These prints show noticeable imperfections such as foxing, weaker image strength, or longer separations, but remain collectible. All visible characteristics are clearly described.
