About this sheet
Blaeu Map of Granada & Murcia Spain, Andalusia Mediterranean Coast, 1642
This finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored map depicts the historic kingdoms of Granada and Murcia in southern Spain, extending from the Strait of Gibraltar and Málaga eastward toward Valencia and Cartagena. Produced during the golden age of Dutch cartography, the map originates from Willem and Joan Blaeu’s celebrated atlas Toonneel des Aerdrycx, one of the most influential and visually refined atlases of the 17th century.
The map presents Andalusia and the southeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain in remarkable detail, with hundreds of towns, rivers, mountain ranges, and coastal settlements carefully engraved across the landscape. Major cities such as Granada, Córdoba, Jaén, Málaga, Cartagena, Murcia, Valencia, and Alicante are prominently identified, reflecting the strategic and economic importance of the region during the early modern period. The mountainous terrain of the Sierra Nevada and surrounding highlands is rendered in Blaeu’s distinctive pictorial style, giving the map strong decorative and sculptural appeal.
The Mediterranean Sea occupies much of the lower portion of the composition and is elegantly crossed with rhumb lines radiating from ornate compass roses, emphasizing the maritime character of the region. Decorative elements include a finely engraved sailing ship, an elaborate coat of arms cartouche titled “Granata et Murcia Regna,” and a distance scale accompanied by a standing figure in traditional costume. The combination of scientific precision and artistic sophistication exemplifies why the Blaeu firm became synonymous with luxury atlas production during the Dutch Golden Age.
Maps of southern Spain from the Blaeu atlas remain highly sought after by collectors for their decorative quality, historical importance, and association with one of the greatest publishing houses in European cartographic history. The present example displays especially attractive original hand color and a strong, balanced impression on laid paper with visible centerfold, as issued.
This map displays exceptionally well in both classic and contemporary interiors and works beautifully framed in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames with wide ivory mats. Its elegant proportions and refined decorative details make it particularly suitable for Mediterranean, Spanish, library, or study interiors.
Special note: This is an original 17th-century map, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning and minor wear. Original centerfold as issued. Some marginal wear and small losses to the lower blank margin consistent with age. Strong impression and attractive original hand color. Visible plate mark and wide margins.
Framing Tips:
This map displays beautifully in dark walnut, ebonized, or black lacquer frames paired with wide cream or ivory mats. A thin gilt fillet can enhance the rich hand color and decorative cartouche while maintaining an elegant museum-style presentation.
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Willem Janszoon Blaeu and Joan Blaeu, Amsterdam, circa 1642
Keywords:
Granada, Murcia, Andalusia, Andalucia, Spain, Spanish Kingdoms, Granata et Murcia Regna, Blaeu map, Willem Blaeu, Joan Blaeu, Toonneel des Aerdrycx, Iberian Peninsula, Southern Spain, Mediterranean Sea, Costa del Sol, Granada Kingdom, Murcia Kingdom, Seville, Sevilla, Cordoba, Jaen, Malaga, Almeria, Cartagena, Valencia, Alicante, Ronda, Gibraltar, Strait of Gibraltar, Barbary Coast, North Africa, Ceuta, Tangier, Murcia region, Granada region, Spanish cartography, Dutch Golden Age map, 17th century atlas map, antique map Spain, hand colored map, decorative cartography, copperplate engraving, old map Andalusia, old map Murcia, Blaeu atlas map, historical Spain map, Mediterranean nautical map, Dutch cartographer, original antique map, collectible map Spain, map with cartouche, compass rose map, sea chart Mediterranean, Iberian coast map
