Antique Map of Bolsward by Blaeu (1652)

Description: Antique print, titled: 'Bolswaert' - (Town plan of Bolsward). Plan of Bolsward in Friesland, the Netherlands. A cartouche and two coats of arms. From the town atlas 'Toneel der Steden', published by Joan Blaeu, Amsterdam: 1652. Dutch text on the rear. State: First state. Ref: Koeman 537 - 43:121 (1652 Blaeu Dutch).

Artists and Engravers: Cartographer and publisher: Joan Blaeu'. Joan Blaeu (23 September 1596 - 28 May 1673) was a Dutch cartographer. He was born in Alkmaar, the son of cartographer Willem Blaeu. In 1620 he became a doctor of law but he joined the work of his father. In 1635 they published the Atlas Novus (full title: Theatrum orbis terrarum, sive, Atlas novus) in two volumes. Joan and his brother Cornelius took over the studio after their father died in 1638. Joan became the official cartographer of the Dutch East India Company. Around 1649 Joan Blaeu published a collection of Dutch city maps named Tooneel der Steeden (Views of Cities). In 1651 he was voted into the Amsterdam council. In 1654 Joan published the first atlas of Scotland, devised by Timothy Pont. In 1662 he reissued the atlas with 11 volumes, and one for oceans. It was also known as Atlas Maior. A cosmology was planned as their next project, but a fire destroyed the studio completely in 1672. Joan Blaeu died in Amsterdam the following year.