Rare Old Map of the Magellan Strait by Visscher, 1690: Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Rio Gallegos, Riesco

Dive into the heart of the 17th century with this meticulously detailed map, 'Tabula Magellanica, qua Tierrae del Fuego, cum celeberrimis fretis a F. Magellano et I. Le Maire detectis novissima et accuratissima descriptio exhibetur'. Translated from Latin, the title eloquently reveals its purpose: 'A most recent and accurate depiction of the Magellanica Table, where the Land of Fire, with the most famous straits discovered by F. Magellan and I. Le Maire, is exhibited'. This map, crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, offers a fascinating snapshot of the Magellan Strait and the larger modern-day region of South America.

Visscher II was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, one of the most renowned mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age. His work is a testament to the family's reputation for precision and artistry. This map is no exception, featuring the regions of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Magallanes, and Chilean Antarctica, along with the cities of Rio Gallegos and the Riesco Island.

This map is not just a geographical representation but also a historical narrative. It captures the era's understanding of the world and the exploratory spirit that led to the discovery of these lands. The map is hand-colored in outline, and it displays cities, towns, waterways, canals, and mountains. It includes decorative cartouches, compass roses, and a vignette of ships in the ocean and native settlements on land, providing a glimpse into the period's culture and aesthetics.

The 'Tabula Magellanica' is a treasure trove for those who appreciate history, cartography, or simply the artistry of a bygone era. The map's relief is shown pictorially, adding a layer of depth and realism to the representation. It's not just a map; it's a piece of art, a historical document, and a testament to the human spirit of exploration. This map is an ideal addition to any collection, a conversation starter, and a source of endless fascination.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Tierra del Fuego:

• Ushuaia: Known as the southernmost city in the world, founded as a penal colony in 1884.
• Rio Grande: Established as a livestock mission in 1892, it's known for its wool production.

Patagonia:

• Comodoro Rivadavia: Founded in 1901 during the construction of the railway.
• Puerto Madryn: Established in 1865 by Welsh immigrants.
• Trelew: Another settlement established by Welsh immigrants in 1886.

Magallanes:

• Punta Arenas: Founded in 1848, it's the largest city in southern Chile.
• Puerto Natales: Established in 1911, it's the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Chilean Antarctica:

• Villa Las Estrellas: A Chilean town established in 1984, one of only two civilian settlements in Antarctica.
• Eduardo Frei Base: The most populous Antarctic base, established in 1969.

Rio Gallegos:

• Rio Gallegos: The capital city of the Santa Cruz Province, founded in 1885.

Riesco Island:

• Riesco Island: An island rich in coal deposits, discovered in the 19th century.

Notable natural phenomena and tourist attractions:

• Torres del Paine National Park: Known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails.
• The Strait of Magellan: A major sea route separating mainland South America and Tierra del Fuego.
• Beagle Channel: A strait separating islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, known for its abundant wildlife.
• Cape Horn: The southernmost point of South America, a significant landmark for navigation.
• Los Glaciares National Park: Home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Notable historical events (1600-1690):

• 1603: The Spanish Empire began the colonization of Chile.
• 1641: The Dutch unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in Valdivia.
• 1690: The map 'Tabula Magellanica' by Nicolaes Visscher II was created, showcasing the detailed geography of the region.

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.