About this sheet
Blaeu Map of Galicia Spain & Santiago de Compostela, circa 1642
Fine original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Galicia in northwestern Spain, engraved and published by Willem Jansz. Blaeu in Amsterdam around 1642 during the height of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. This beautifully detailed map, titled “Gallaecia Regnum,” originates from Blaeu’s celebrated atlas series, among the most luxurious and influential atlases produced in the 17th century.
The map depicts the historic Kingdom of Galicia, including the important pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, the rugged Atlantic coastline, and portions of Asturias, León, and northern Portugal. Blaeu’s engraving captures the geography of the region with remarkable precision for its time, showing towns, rivers, mountain ranges, roads, and coastal details in fine miniature engraving.
Particularly attractive are the decorative elements that frame the composition. In the upper left corner appears an elaborate coat of arms cartouche supported by cherubs, while the lower left features a striking title cartouche rising from the sea, held aloft by a mythological sea figure. Elegant rhumb lines and compass roses spread across the ocean, accompanied by sailing ships that enhance the maritime character of the map and reflect Galicia’s historic relationship with Atlantic trade and exploration.
Willem Jansz. Blaeu was one of the most celebrated cartographers and publishers of the Dutch Golden Age. His atlases were prized throughout Europe not only for their geographic accuracy but also for their artistic refinement and luxurious hand-coloring. Maps such as this remain highly sought after today by collectors of early cartography, Spanish history, pilgrimage routes, and decorative antique maps.
This example possesses excellent decorative appeal and displays beautifully in both traditional and contemporary interiors. The combination of rich hand-coloring, maritime ornamentation, and elegant typography makes it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, coastal interiors, or sophisticated gallery walls.
This is an original 17th-century copperplate engraving printed at the time, not a modern reproduction. The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Framing tips: Displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilt frames paired with a wide ivory or parchment-toned mat. Particularly suitable for libraries, coastal interiors, Spanish-themed interiors, or collectors’ studies.
