Rare Old Map of South America by Visscher, 1690: Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Galapagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and intricate detail of Nicolaes Visscher II's 'Atlas minor sive totius orbis terrarum contracta delinea', a stunning piece of cartographic history. Translated into English, the map's title reads 'A smaller atlas or contracted representation of the whole world', and it showcases the diverse regions and political divisions of the world, with a particular focus on South America. Visscher, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age, masterfully captured the essence of the late 17th century world, inviting you to step back in time and explore the world as it was known then.

The map features prominent cities such as Brasilia and Buenos Aires, alongside notable landmarks like the Falkland Islands and the Galapagos Islands. The vast expanse of the Amazon Rainforest is also beautifully depicted, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity that characterizes this part of the world. Each city, landmark, and region is meticulously detailed, reflecting Visscher's commitment to accuracy and his exceptional artistic talent.

The map is also embellished with hand-colored engraved outlines, decorative cartouches, and vignettes of buildings and settlements. These elements not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide valuable insights into the architectural and cultural practices of the time. Ships sailing in the ocean are also depicted, highlighting the importance of maritime trade and exploration during this period.

Furthermore, the map's depiction of political boundaries, cities, towns, waterways, and mountains provides a comprehensive view of the geopolitical landscape of the time. The relief is shown pictorially, offering a three-dimensional perspective that enhances the map's realism. This 'Atlas minor sive totius orbis terrarum contracta delinea' is not just a map; it's a historical artifact, a work of art, and a testament to the enduring fascination with the world and its many wonders. It's a piece that promises to ignite your imagination, spark conversations, and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

South America:

• Brasilia: Founded in 1883, it is the federal capital of Brazil. Known for its unique city plan and modernist architecture.
• Buenos Aires: Founded in 1580, it is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Known for its rich cultural life and European-style architecture.
• São Paulo: Founded in 1554, it is the most populous city in Brazil. Known for its diverse culture and vibrant arts scene.
• Lima: Founded in 1535, it is the capital of Peru. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
• Bogotá: Founded in 1538, it is the capital of Colombia. Known for its many libraries and universities.
• Santiago: Founded in 1541, it is the capital of Chile. Known for its stunning Andean backdrop.
• Caracas: Founded in 1567, it is the capital of Venezuela. Known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and cultural landmarks.
• Quito: Founded in 1534, it is the capital of Ecuador. Known for its well-preserved historic center.
• La Paz: Founded in 1548, it is the seat of government of Bolivia. Known for its dramatic setting in a canyon.
• Asunción: Founded in 1537, it is the capital of Paraguay. Known for its colonial architecture.
• Montevideo: Founded in 1726, it is the capital of Uruguay. Known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant cultural scene.
• Cuzco: Founded in 1100, it was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.
• Cartagena: Founded in 1533, it is a major port on the northern coast of Colombia. Known for its colonial walled city and fortress.
• Guayaquil: Founded in 1538, it is the largest city in Ecuador. Known for its historic district, Las Peñas.
• Potosí: Founded in 1545, it was one of the richest silver mining centers in the New World. Known for its colonial architecture.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• Amazon Rainforest: The world's largest rainforest, known for its extraordinary biodiversity.
• Andes Mountains: The longest continental mountain range in the world, known for its dramatic landscapes.
• Pantanal: The world's largest tropical wetland, known for its rich wildlife.
• Iguazu Falls: One of the world's largest and most spectacular waterfalls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
• Galapagos Islands: An archipelago of volcanic islands, known for its unique and diverse wildlife.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The Peruvian Struggle for Independence (1600-1690): A series of uprisings and rebellions against Spanish rule in Peru.
• The Discovery of the Amazon River (1600): The Amazon River was fully explored by Europeans in the 17th century, opening up the interior of South America to further exploration and colonization.
• The Expulsion of the Dutch from Northeast Brazil (1654): After a period of Dutch rule, the Portuguese regained control of Northeast Brazil.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.