Hand-Colored Bermuda Map with Somers Isles from Blaeu, 1642

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Blaeu Bermuda Map, Somers Isles, Atlantic Chart, Hand-Colored, c.1642 : A highly decorative and historically significant map of Bermuda, titled … Read more Blaeu Bermuda Map, Somers Isles, Atlantic Chart, Hand-Colored, c.1642 : A highly decorative and historically significant map of Bermuda, titled Mappa Aestivarum Insularum, alias Barmudas, engraved by Willem Janszoon Blaeu and published in Amsterdam circa 1642. This celebrated map is among the earliest and most refined printed representations of the island, combining scientific precision with the rich visual language of the Dutch Golden Age. Based on the detailed survey of Richard Norwood (1616–1618), the map presents Bermuda as an elongated chain of islands, carefully divided into “tribes” (parishes) and private landholdings. Each section is meticulously delineated, reflecting the structured colonial development under the Somers Isles Company, a subsidiary of the Virginia Company. Along the lower margin, a comprehensive table lists the original proprietors and their allocated shares, offering a rare insight into early English colonial land distribution. One of the most striking features of this map is its ingenious dual composition. The primary chart depicts Bermuda in great detail, while a secondary geographical context is provided through the surrounding Atlantic framework, indicating the island’s position relative to the coasts of Virginia, New England, and the Caribbean—underscoring its strategic importance in early transatlantic navigation. The elaborate central cartouche is crowned by Neptune, god of the sea, holding a trident and a ship—an emblematic reference to maritime power and exploration. Additional decorative elements include finely engraved compass roses, coats of arms, and navigational rhumb lines, all enhanced by later hand coloring that brings clarity and warmth to the composition. Blaeu’s Bermuda map stands out not only for its cartographic accuracy but also for its aesthetic sophistication. Its distinctive elongated form, combined with rich ornamentation and historical depth, makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors of early Atlantic maps, British colonial history, and Dutch Golden Age cartography. Note: Interior mockups shown are for visual inspiration only and do not represent the exact scale. We do not sell reproductions, only original works of art over 100 years old.

Condition report: Very good condition with fine original hand coloring. Light age-related toning. Central fold as issued. Margins well preserved. Plate mark visible. Minor handling wear consistent with age, overall a strong and a very attractive impression. Framing tips: Particularly striking in a dark walnut or black frame with a wide ivory or off-white mat. The elongated format lends itself well to horizontal placement above a desk or console, or as a refined standalone focal point within a curated wall of early maps. Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Willem Janszoon Blaeu, Amsterdam, c.1642 See less