Old map of the area between Den Bosch, Tilburg, Eindhoven and Helmond by Frisius

About "Old map of the area between Den Bosch, Tilburg, Eindhoven and Helmond"

by Frisius

About the artwork

Beautiful old map of eastern North Brabant and northern Limburg. This area belonged to the Duchy of Brabant at the time. The map dates from 1640 and was made by Willem Jansz. Blaeu. This Blaeu stood at the cradle of a famous dynasty of publishers and mapmakers. His son Joan Blaeu was not only administrator of Amsterdam, but also mapmaker for the VOC and publisher of beautifully coloured large-format atlases.
On either side of the map are the arms of Helmond, Eindhoven, Ravestein and Grave, among others,

Historical maps and old town maps offer a wealth of information about the landscape and towns in earlier times. But old maps are not only informative and interesting; they are also beautiful to look at. And that applies not only to historical maps that were also used as decorative wall decorations or prestigious gifts. Even old maps that only had an informative purpose at the time were often beautifully decorated with all kinds of decorative elements and today look like true works of art.

The beauty of other historical maps lies precisely in the lack of decoration and detailing. Such old maps look like abstract art where 'less is more' applies.
Yet another category are historical maps of more recent date that were printed for promotional purposes. Think, for instance, of old city maps surrounded by advertisements and signs of shops and companies.

The variety in historical maps is huge. But for all old maps, they literally and figuratively give a nice picture of the times!