Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652

A Dutch Golden Age Masterpiece — the Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652

The Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652 captures the very spirit of discovery that defined the 17th century — an age when art, science, and imagination intertwined to chart the known world. In this breathtaking restoration of a true cartographic treasure, van den Keere’s mastery comes to life once again, revealing a map that is as decorative as it is historical. Every inch of this composition reflects the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, when maps were not merely navigational tools but exquisite expressions of human curiosity and craftsmanship.

Originally engraved and published in Amsterdam, this map presents the world in its evolving form — where continents take shape beneath the engraver’s steady hand, and oceans teem with miniature ships bound for distant lands. Surrounding the central image are lavish panels depicting allegorical figures and heroic equestrians — symbols of the world’s continents, elements, and virtues. These embellishments lend the Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652 its unmistakable character: a fusion of geography, mythology, and the artistry of its era.

Digitally restored from rare archival sources, this edition preserves the tonal richness and fine engraving of the original. Each detail — from the delicate compass roses to the tiny sea monsters etched into the waves — remains vivid yet authentic. Printed on museum-quality matte paper or stretched polycotton canvas, it showcases a warm palette of parchment ivory, amber gold, and muted crimson. The hand-finished wood frames, crafted with solid timber and stained to a deep antique tone, echo the gravitas of Old World libraries and the quiet dignity of scholarly interiors.

Hung upon the wall of a study, office, or library, the Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652 evokes the atmosphere of an explorer’s salon. It pairs perfectly with Old World Manor Décor — rich leathers, mahogany furniture, brass instruments, and candlelit ambience. There’s a tactile, almost reverent pleasure in tracing one’s fingers along the contours of van den Keere’s vision, imagining the wonder of travelers and scholars who once gazed upon such maps as glimpses into the infinite.

Van den Keere, known in Latin as Petrus Kaerius, was one of the most accomplished engravers of his generation. His works bridged the realms of art and cartography, transforming maps into lavish objects that adorned the homes of nobles and scholars. This 1652 world map stands among his most celebrated compositions — not just for its geographical insight but for its ornamental borders, each vignette alive with symbolism. The seated female figures at the top represent the four continents known to Europeans at the time — Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — each rendered with distinctive attributes and attire. Along the sides and bottom, dynamic equestrian portraits and maritime scenes celebrate the triumphs of exploration and empire.

Every reproduction of the Antique Illustrated World Map by Pieter van den Keere, 1652 carries with it the essence of that era: a world still being discovered, and a culture intoxicated by the pursuit of knowledge. The restoration honors the subtle irregularities of aged engraving, the soft fading of pigments, and the fine crosshatching that gives depth to continents and seas. This delicate attention to authenticity ensures that what you hang upon your wall is more than a print — it’s a conversation between centuries.

As décor, the antique map brings gravitas and warmth to any interior, offering not just visual beauty but a sense of lineage and learning. As a gift, it speaks eloquently to historians, travelers, and aesthetes alike — those who find poetry in precision and wonder in the traces of time. Whether displayed above a writing desk, in a study, or framed within a gallery wall, this map transforms space into something timeless, where knowledge and art coexist in quiet harmony.

Design Features

• Faithful restoration of Pieter van den Keere’s 1652 world map

• Lavish decorative border featuring allegorical and equestrian illustrations

• Available framed in hand-stained solid wood or unframed on archival matte paper or canvas

• Intricate engravings and vivid color palette true to the original printing

Color Palette

• Parchment ivory and sepia tones

• Antique gold, muted crimson, and sage green accents

• Charcoal and walnut ink linework for definition

Condition Notes

• Digitally restored from original archival sources

• Subtle aging and paper texture preserved for authenticity

Origin & Construction

• Originally engraved in Amsterdam, 1652 by Pieter van den Keere (Petrus Kaerius)

• Restored and reproduced using museum-quality inks on fine art paper or canvas

• Framed editions handcrafted with solid wood and antique finish

Dimensions

• Varies by print selection; original proportions faithfully maintained