Rare Old Portolan Map of Europe by De Wit, 1675: Naval Chart, Mediterranean, North Sea, Atlantic

Embark on a captivating journey through time with the illustrious "Totius Europae Littora Novissime adita. Pascaert vertoonende alle de See-custen van Europa," a maritime chart crafted by the renowned Dutch cartographer Frederick De Wit in the year 1675. This chart, a masterpiece of the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a piece of art, capturing the intricate coastlines of Europe with unparalleled precision and beauty. De Wit, celebrated for his detailed sea charts, meticulously illustrates the maritime landscape of Europe, from the rugged coasts of Norway to the sun-drenched shores of Dalmatia. His work stands as a testament to the era's profound advancements in navigational knowledge and cartographic skill, inviting us to explore the rich tapestry of Europe's coastal realms.

In an era dominated by the quest for knowledge and exploration, De Wit's chart illuminates the maritime routes that were the lifelines of commerce, conflict, and discovery. The chart is meticulously designed in the portolan style, emphasizing the coastal contours and maritime features over the inland territories, thereby providing invaluable information to the seafarers of the 17th century. This emphasis on coastal detail, coupled with the chart's unusual westward orientation, offers a unique perspective on Europe's maritime landscape, revealing the strategic importance of its ports and harbors. The inclusion of major sea routes, depicted with dotted lines, underscores the chart's practical utility in guiding the voyages that shaped the course of European history.

The chart is adorned with a rich tapestry of heraldic emblems, including the grand coats of arms of Spain, France, the Holy Roman Empire, and smaller ones for Norway, Sweden, "Ruslandt" (Russia), and England. These symbols of sovereignty and power provide a vivid glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the time, highlighting the maritime dominions and rivalries that influenced the course of European history. The dedication to Charles II, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, further enriches the chart's historical context, linking it to the royal patronage and political ambitions of the era.

Beyond its navigational and geopolitical significance, De Wit's chart is a marvel of artistic expression. The decorative border, intricate illustrations of sea monsters, ships, and a compass rose, not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also reflect the era's fascination with the unknown and the allure of the sea. 

Frederick De Wit's "Totius Europae Littora Novissime adita" stands as a monumental achievement in the history of cartography, bridging the realms of art, science, and history. It offers a window into the 17th-century European world, capturing the spirit of an age marked by exploration, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. This chart is not merely a map but a historical document, a work of art, and a testament to the enduring human desire to understand and navigate the vast and mysterious world that surrounds us.

Countries and regions on this map

• Africa
• Bohemia
• Brandenburg
• Circassia
• Croatia
• Dalmatia
• Denmark
• England
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Livonia
• Lithuania
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Prussia
• Romania
• Russia
• Scotland
• Serbia
• Sicily
• Spain
• Spitsbergen
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• Wales

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Atlantic Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Baltic Sea
• Black Sea
• Caspian Sea
• Mediterranean Sea
• North Sea
• Norwegian Sea
• White Sea
• Alps
• Carpathian Mountains
• Caucasus Mountains
• Pyrenees
• Scandinavian Mountains
• Urals
• Major sea routes are shown with dotted lines.
• Major roads are shown with solid lines.
• The map is oriented with north at the top.

Historical and design context

• Title: Totius Europae Littora Novissime adita. Pascaert vertoonende alle de See-custen van Europa
• Date: 1675
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Frederick De Wit
• Frederick De Wit was a Dutch cartographer and publisher who was active in the 17th century. He is best known for his sea charts, which were highly regarded for their accuracy and detail.
• The map shows the coastlines of Europe, as well as the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea.
• It includes the coats of arms of the key kingdoms of the time - Spain, France, and the Holy Roman Empire - as well as smaller coats of arms for Norway, Sweden, "Ruslandt" (Russia), and England.
• The map covers the area from Morocco to the Scandinavian island of Spitsbergen and Iceland, and west to east from Iceland to Dalmatia.
• The map is in the portolan style, which emphasizes coastal details over the inland regions. It is also oriented with the top to the west, which is unusual.
• The map is a valuable historical document that provides insight into the state of European cartography in the 17th century. It is also a beautiful example of the art of cartography.

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 map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way 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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.