Old Canary Islands Nautical Chart by Blaeu, 1608: Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria

Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Willem Janszoon Blaeu with this rare 1608 nautical chart of the Canary Islands. This map, titled "Pascaarte vande Eijlanden van Canarien," offers a captivating glimpse into the early 17th-century maritime world. Blaeu, a master cartographer of the Dutch Golden Age, intricately detailed the islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Palma, Ferro, Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. His maps were renowned for their precision and artistry, making them invaluable tools for navigation and trade.

The map is a masterpiece of nautical cartography, showcasing a wealth of information crucial for seafarers of the time. The intricate network of rhumb lines, compass roses, and soundings provide a comprehensive guide to the coastal waters of the Canary Islands. These elements, combined with the bilingual Dutch and French inscriptions, reflect the map's dual purpose as both a practical navigational aid and a work of art.

Blaeu's attention to detail is evident in the beautifully rendered coastlines and the inclusion of navigational aids such as depth soundings in fathoms. The map also features artistic cartouches and decorative elements, including cherubs and ships, which add a touch of elegance and charm. These embellishments not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also serve as a testament to the artistry of early Dutch cartography.

The historical significance of this map is underscored by its inclusion in J Blaeu's "Het Licht der Zee-vaert," a collection of sea charts that played a pivotal role in maritime history. The scarcity of this chart, with few examples seen on the market in over 20 years, adds to its allure and value. It offers a unique perspective on the geographical understanding of the Canary Islands during a time when exploration and trade were at their peak.

This map is more than just a navigational tool; it is a window into a bygone era of exploration and discovery. Its detailed depiction of the Canary Islands and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean captures the imagination and transports the viewer to a time when the seas were the lifeblood of commerce and adventure. Whether you're a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of old maps, this piece is a remarkable addition to any collection.

Notable places on this map

• Lanzarote: Island labeled with geographical features.
• Fuerteventura: Island with detailed coastline.
• Palma (I. Palma): Island with specific coastal names.
• Ferro (I. Ferro): Island shown with surrounding waters.
• Gomera (I. Gomera): Island with navigational details.
• Tenerife (Insula Tenerifa): Island with towns and harbors labeled.
• Gran Canaria (Insula Canaria): Island with coastal features.
• Santa Cruz: Harbor on Tenerife.
• C. de Navis: Cape on Tenerife.
• C. Salazar: Cape on Lanzarote.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Compass roses: Multiple compass roses used for navigation.
• Soundings: Indications of water depths in fathoms.
• Decorative elements: Includes drawings of ships and cherubs.
• Navigational aids: Lines indicating directions for sailors.
• Bilingual inscriptions: Titles and legends in Dutch and French.
• Scale indicator: Present on the map for distance measurement.
• Artistic cartouches: Decorative frames surrounding titles and legends.
• Islands labeled: Each island is clearly labeled with its name.
• Sea area: Mare Atlanticum (Atlantic Ocean) prominently labeled.
• Orientation lines: Rhumb lines for navigation.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1608
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Willem Janszoon Blaeu, a prominent Dutch cartographer.
• Nautical chart: Focuses on maritime navigation, showing coastal regions.
• Early Dutch cartography: Characterized by detailed coastlines and decorative elements.
• Historical significance: Part of J Blaeu's "Het Licht der Zee-vaert," highlighting its importance in maritime history.
• Scarcity: Extremely rare, with few examples seen on the market in over 20 years.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

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 customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.