Rare Old Map of Picardy, France by Visscher, 1690: Calais, Lille, Amiens, Reims, Scarpe-Escaut Park
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries, including the UK
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. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Please note: Some orders are taking 5-6 days to arrive because of postal slowdowns caused by Black Friday and Christmas. This should clear up soon.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend £50 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- Framing & personalisation available
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60 day money back guarantee
60 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 60 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
Our usual returns window is 30 days, but to give you extra peace of mind during the Christmas period, we have extended the returns period to 60 days.
For personalised and customised items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell personalised orders.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
- The model holds the 16x20in (40x50cm) map
Custom size and finish
If you are looking for a size or finish that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Picardy region of France with the 'Picardia vera et inferior' map, crafted by renowned cartographer Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. This piece, whose title translates to 'True and Lower Picardy', provides a detailed depiction of the different regions and political divisions of the time. Visscher, the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, hailed from a lineage of esteemed mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age, and his expertise is evident in the intricate details and precise rendering of this map.
Significant cities such as Calais, Lille, Amiens, and Reims are prominently featured, each holding their own historical and political significance. Calais, a city of strategic importance since the Middle Ages, is a vital seaport that connects France and England. Lille, known for its rich architectural heritage, and Amiens, with its famed cathedral, offer glimpses into the region's cultural landscape. Reims, the city where French kings were traditionally crowned, adds a royal touch to the map.
The 'Picardia vera et inferior' map is more than just a geographical representation; it's a journey through time and history. The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, the first of its kind in France, is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural beauty. The map also showcases the intricate network of waterways and canals, which played a crucial role in trade and transportation during the 17th century. The detailed depiction of forests, mountains, and other landmarks further enhances the map's visual appeal.
In addition to its geographical features, the map also boasts of decorative elements that add to its aesthetic value. Hand-colored in outline, the map features decorative cartouches, a coat of arms, and a dedication, adding a touch of personalization and artistry. The relief shown pictorially offers a three-dimensional perspective, making it a captivating piece of historical art. This map is not just a purchase, but an investment into a piece of the world's cartographic heritage.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Picardy:
- Amiens: Known as the 'Venice of the North' due to its numerous canals. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in France, the Amiens Cathedral.
- Abbeville: Known for its Flemish-style architecture and its rich history in the wool industry.
- Beauvais: Home to the Beauvais Cathedral, which boasts the highest gallery of any Gothic cathedral.
- Laon: Known for its fortified hilltop old town and the Laon Cathedral.
- Soissons: An ancient town known for the Soissons Cathedral and the Abbey of St. Jean des Vignes.
- Saint-Quentin: Known for the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Compiègne: Known for the Château de Compiègne, a royal residence.
- Noyon: Known for the Noyon Cathedral, one of the earliest French Gothic cathedrals.
- Senlis: Known for its preserved medieval architecture, including the Senlis Cathedral.
- Château-Thierry: Known for the Château-Thierry American Monument dedicated to those who fought in World War I.
- Crépy-en-Valois: Known for the ruins of the Château de Crépy.
- Doullens: Known for the Doullens Citadel, a fortification from the 16th century.
- Montdidier: Known for the Church of St. Peter, a classic example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.
- Clermont: Known for the Church of Saint-Samson, a classic example of Gothic architecture.
- Péronne: Known for the Château de Péronne, which houses the Museum of the Great War.
Artois:
- Arras: Known for its beautiful town squares and the Arras Cathedral.
- Béthune: Known for the Béthune Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lens: Known for the Louvre-Lens, a satellite museum of the Louvre.
- Hesdin: Known for the Church of St. Martin, a classic example of Gothic architecture.
- Saint-Omer: Known for the Saint-Omer Cathedral and the Public Garden, the oldest public garden in France.
- Boulogne-sur-Mer: Known for the Boulogne-sur-Mer Castle Museum and the Nausicaá National Sea Centre.
- Calais: A vital seaport that connects France and England.
- Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise: Known for the Church of St. Paul, a classic example of Gothic architecture.
- Aire-sur-la-Lys: Known for the Aire-sur-la-Lys Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Montreuil: Known for the Citadel of Montreuil, a fortification from the 16th century.
- Etaples: Known for the Etaples Military Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in France.
- Berck: Known for its long sandy beach and annual kite festival.
- Le Touquet: Known for its beautiful beach and the Le Touquet Museum.
- Wimereux: Known for its beautiful beach and Belle Époque architecture.
- Desvres: Known for its pottery tradition.
Notable Natural Phenomena:
- Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park: The first regional nature park in France.
- The Somme River: One of the most significant battle sites during World War I.
- The Aisne River: Known for the three battles of the Aisne during World War I.
- The Oise River: Known for its beautiful landscapes.
- The Thérain River: Known for its beautiful landscapes.
Historical Events (1600-1690):
- The Siege of Amiens (1597): Part of the Franco-Spanish War where Spanish forces attempted to retake Amiens from the French.
- The Battle of Lens (1648): A decisive victory for France during the Thirty Years' War.
- The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668): Ended the War of Devolution between France and Spain. France gained several towns in the Spanish Netherlands.
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.
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.
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.
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