Rare Old Map of Duchy of Lorraine, France by Visscher, 1690: Nancy, Metz, Saarbrücken, Kaiserslauten, Northern Vosges Park

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the 'Lotharingia Ducatus Nova descriptio', or 'New Description of the Duchy of Lorraine'. This meticulously crafted map, produced by the esteemed Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, captures the intricate political and geographical divisions of the Duchy of Lorraine, an area that now forms part of modern-day France. The map offers a captivating insight into the landscape and urban centers of the late 17th century, showcasing the remarkable precision and artistry of Dutch Golden Age cartography.

The map highlights several significant cities, including Nancy, Metz, Saarbrücken, and Kaiserslauten. Nancy, the historical capital of the Duchy, is particularly noteworthy, its depiction offering a glimpse into the city's illustrious past. Metz, another major city, is shown as a vibrant urban center, reflecting its importance in the region. Saarbrücken and Kaiserslauten, meanwhile, serve as reminders of the region's close ties with present-day Germany.

The 'Lotharingia Ducatus Nova descriptio' is not just a representation of urban centers. It also beautifully portrays the natural landscape of the region. The Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, a significant natural landmark, is prominently featured. The map's detailed representation of forests, waterways, canals, and mountains provides a vivid picture of the region's diverse terrain. The inclusion of fortifications and landmarks further enhances the map's historical value, shedding light on the region's strategic importance during the period.

In addition to its historical and geographical significance, the 'Lotharingia Ducatus Nova descriptio' is a work of art. Hand-colored in outline, the map is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its creator. The decorative cartouches add an element of artistic flair, while the pictorial relief offers a three-dimensional perspective, bringing the map to life. This piece is more than just a map; it is a window into a bygone era, a piece of history that continues to fascinate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Lorraine

• Nancy - Known as the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, Nancy was an important cultural and political center. Historical name: Nanciacum.
• Metz - An important urban center in the Duchy of Lorraine, Metz had a significant role in regional politics. Historical name: Divodurum Mediomatricum.
• Verdun - An important city in the Duchy of Lorraine, Verdun was known for its strategic location. Historical name: Verodunum.
• Toul - A significant city in the Duchy of Lorraine, Toul was known for its strong fortifications. Historical name: Tullum Leucorum.
• Epinal - Known for its printing industry, Epinal was a major economic center in the Duchy of Lorraine. Historical name: Spinalium.
• Saint-Dié-des-Vosges - An important religious center in the Duchy of Lorraine, known for its abbey. Historical name: St. Deodatus.
• Bar-le-Duc - Known for its Renaissance architecture, Bar-le-Duc was a significant cultural center. Historical name: Barrois.
• Lunéville - Known for its beautiful château, Lunéville was a significant cultural center. Historical name: Lunaria.
• Thionville - An important city in the Duchy of Lorraine, Thionville was known for its strategic location. Historical name: Theodonis Villa.
• Pont-à-Mousson - Known for its paper mills, Pont-à-Mousson was a major economic center in the Duchy of Lorraine. Historical name: Pons Aemilii.

Duchy of Bar

• Bar-le-Duc - The capital of the Duchy of Bar, Bar-le-Duc was known for its significant cultural and political influence. Historical name: Barrois.
• Ligny-en-Barrois - An important city in the Duchy of Bar, Ligny-en-Barrois was known for its strong fortifications. Historical name: Ligny.
• Joinville - Known for its beautiful château, Joinville was a significant cultural center in the Duchy of Bar. Historical name: Iocolinum.
• Saint-Dizier - An important city in the Duchy of Bar, Saint-Dizier was known for its strategic location. Historical name: Castrum Deodati.
• Chaumont - Known for its printing industry, Chaumont was a major economic center in the Duchy of Bar. Historical name: Calvus Mons.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park - A significant natural landmark, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
• Moselle River - An important waterway, known for its beautiful landscapes and vineyards.
• Meuse River - A significant river, known for its strategic importance and natural beauty.
• Vosges Mountains - A major mountain range, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
• Marne-Rhine Canal - An important canal, known for its role in trade and transportation.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The Battle of White Mountain (1620) - A significant event in the Thirty Years' War, with far-reaching consequences for Central Europe.
• The Peace of Westphalia (1648) - Marked the end of the Thirty Years' War, with significant changes in the political landscape of the region.
• The War of the Reunions (1683-1684) - A conflict between France and Spain, with significant implications for 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.