Antique Map of Southern Mexico & New Galicia, Janssonius, Amsterdam, 1650s

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Antique Map of Southern Mexico & New Galicia, Janssonius, Amsterdam c.1650 A highly decorative and historically important original hand-colored map … Read more Antique Map of Southern Mexico & New Galicia, Janssonius, Amsterdam c.1650 A highly decorative and historically important original hand-colored map of southern Mexico and the province of New Galicia, engraved and published by Johannes Janssonius in Amsterdam around 1650. Titled *Nova Hispania, et Nova Galicia*, this finely executed map depicts a substantial portion of colonial New Spain, including the region surrounding Mexico City, one of the most important administrative and commercial centers of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. The map belongs to the celebrated Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period during which Amsterdam became the world's leading center for mapmaking. Janssonius was among the foremost publishers of the era, competing directly with the Blaeu family and producing some of the finest atlases of the seventeenth century. His maps are admired for their geographic detail, elegant engraving, and elaborate decorative embellishments. Covering much of present-day southern and western Mexico, the map identifies numerous settlements, indigenous regions, rivers, mountain ranges, and colonial administrative divisions. Mexico City appears prominently toward the southeast portion of the map, while the Pacific coastline is carefully delineated. The map reflects European geographical knowledge shortly after the Spanish consolidation of power in the region and provides a fascinating record of colonial administration and exploration. Particularly attractive is the magnificent title cartouche occupying the upper right corner. Richly engraved and beautifully hand colored, it features allegorical figures surrounding the royal Spanish coat of arms beneath a crowned heraldic eagle. Additional decorative elements include a sailing vessel and sea monster in the Pacific Ocean, along with an ornamental legend cartouche. These embellishments transform the map from a geographical document into a work of Baroque art. Maps of New Spain from the great Dutch atlas publishers remain among the most sought-after cartographic works relating to colonial Mexico and the Spanish Empire. This example offers an excellent combination of historical importance, decorative appeal, and strong visual presence. An original seventeenth-century engraving, not a modern reproduction. Condition Report: Good condition for a map of this age. Original centerfold as issued. Light age toning and minor handling wear consistent with the mid-seventeenth century. Attractive original hand coloring. Please study the images carefully for a detailed impression of condition. Framing Tips: This map would frame beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or gilt frame with a warm ivory museum mat. The colorful heraldic cartouche and decorative sea elements make it particularly suitable for display in a study, library, office, or interior inspired by colonial history and exploration. Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving Maker: Johannes Janssonius, Amsterdam, circa 1650 Keywords: Mexico map, New Spain map, Nova Hispania, Janssonius map, colonial Mexico, New Galicia, seventeenth-century cartography, Dutch Golden Age map, antique Mexico map, Mexico City map, Spanish Empire, hand-colored engraving. See less