Revolutionary Massive Old Map Of Europe By Visscher, 1677: Triple Alliance, Capital City Views For Home [zqFPVfu6]

Step into the 17th century with Nicolaes Visscher II’s "Exacta Totius Europae Tabula", a breathtaking wall map that masterfully captures the political and physical geography of Europe during a pivotal moment in history. Created in 1677, this map commemorates the formation of the Triple Alliance between the Netherlands, Sweden, and England—a short-lived but significant coalition that shaped the balance of power in Europe. Dedicated to King Charles II of England, the map celebrates this diplomatic milestone, underscoring the unity of these nations against common threats and laying the groundwork for future alliances.

Visscher’s artistic brilliance is on full display in this map, which blends cartographic precision with elaborate decorative elements. The map’s central focus is a detailed rendering of Europe, featuring meticulously drawn coastlines, rivers, and mountain ranges. Surrounding the map are vibrant allegorical illustrations, including a portrait of King Charles II, maritime scenes, and symbolic depictions of unity and power. These embellishments elevate the map from a practical tool to a work of art, reflecting the grandeur and aspirations of its time.

The map’s design is a testament to the Visscher family’s reputation for excellence in cartography. Nicolaes Visscher II, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, infused this map with both scientific accuracy and artistic flair. The cartographic projection showcases Europe’s geography with remarkable clarity, while the inclusion of city views and annotations provides a rich historical context. This dual focus on aesthetics and information exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period when maps were as much about storytelling as they were about navigation.

Beyond its geographical detail, the map serves as a historical document, offering insights into the political dynamics of the late 17th century. The Triple Alliance, formed to counter the expansionist ambitions of France, is a central theme, symbolized through the map’s dedication and allegorical imagery. The alliance’s eventual dissolution and the subsequent Franco-Dutch War highlight the fluidity of European politics, making this map a snapshot of a fleeting yet transformative moment in history.

This map is not merely a depiction of land and sea but a celebration of Europe’s cultural and political landscape. The surrounding illustrations of major cities—such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam—capture the architectural splendor and significance of these urban centers. Ships dotting the oceans and seas evoke the era’s maritime dominance, while the ornate cartouches and banners add a layer of regal elegance. Nicolaes Visscher II’s "Exacta Totius Europae Tabula" is a masterpiece that transcends its cartographic purpose, offering a window into the artistry, history, and diplomacy of a bygone era.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Europe (central focus).
• Parts of Asia (western regions).
• Northern Africa (coastal areas).
• Countries and regions:
• England, Scotland, Ireland.
• France, Spain, Portugal.
• The Netherlands, Belgium.
• Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
• Italy and the Italian states.
• Poland, Lithuania.
• Sweden, Norway, Denmark.
• Russia (western parts).
• Ottoman Empire (European territories).
• Hungary, Bohemia.
• Balkan regions.
• Greece and surrounding islands.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset illustrations:
• Depictions of prominent European cities, including their architectural and cultural landmarks.
• Cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam are highlighted.
• Bodies of water:
• Major seas and oceans, including the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Baltic Sea.
• Smaller bodies of water, including regional seas and bays.
• Mountain ranges:
• Major European mountain ranges, such as the Alps and Carpathians, are illustrated with stylized relief.
• Decorative elements:
• Allegorical figures and symbols celebrating the Triple Alliance.
• Ornate cartouches and banners, including one with the map’s title.
• Illustrations of ships in the seas, emphasizing maritime activity.
• Historical notes and annotations:
• Text blocks at the bottom of the map provide historical and geographical context.
• Dedication to King Charles II and references to the Triple Alliance.
• Other features:
• Detailed coastlines and rivers.
• Depictions of naval engagements or fleets, reflecting the importance of maritime power.

Historical and design context

• Historical significance:
• Created in 1677 to commemorate the Triple Alliance (1668–1672) between the Netherlands, Sweden, and England.
• Dedicated to King Charles II of England, emphasizing the alliance’s importance to England and its European neighbors.
• The alliance was a precursor to the Grand Alliance, which fought major European wars such as the Nine Years' War (1688–1697) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714).
• Themes and topics:
• Political and physical geography of Europe during the 17th century.
• Maritime and coastal regions, reflecting the significance of naval power and trade routes.
• Design and style:
• Lavishly decorated with allegorical and symbolic illustrations.
• Vibrant city views and illustrations of major European urban centers.
• Blends cartographic precision with artistic flair, exemplifying the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.
• Includes a portrait of King Charles II and allegorical imagery symbolizing unity and power.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.