Rare Old Map of Walcheren Island, Zeeland by Visscher, 1690: Middelburg, Vlissingen, Domburg, Veere, Koudekerke

Introducing the 'Walchria Insula Zelandiae', a stunning representation of Walcheren Island in Zeeland, an area that is now part of the modern-day Netherlands. Crafted meticulously by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map captures the essence of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period when the Dutch were the leading mapmakers of the world. The full name of the map translates to 'Walcheren Island of Zeeland', giving us a clear indication of the regions covered in this historical piece.

The map highlights five significant locations: Middelburg, Vlissingen, Domburg, Veere, and Koudekerke. Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland, is prominently displayed, reflecting its historical importance as a bustling trade city. Vlissingen, or Flushing, is another key city, known for its strategic maritime location. Domburg, while smaller, holds historical significance as one of the oldest towns in Zeeland.

Veere, another city featured on the map, was a prosperous trading port in the Middle Ages, known for its Scottish wool trade. Lastly, Koudekerke is depicted, a small village on Walcheren Island, representing the quieter, rural life of the region. Each of these locations provides a glimpse into the diverse aspects of life in Zeeland during the late 17th century.

The 'Walchria Insula Zelandiae' is not just a map, but a historical artifact that tells a story of a time and place that was instrumental in shaping the world as we know it today. This piece would make a valuable addition to any collection, offering a window into the past, and the rich history of the Dutch Golden Age.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Zeeland

• Middelburg: Known as the capital of Zeeland, it was a major trading city during the Dutch Golden Age.
• Vlissingen (Flushing): A strategically important maritime city, known for its shipyards and naval base.
• Domburg: One of the oldest towns in Zeeland, known for its ancient church and Roman ruins.
• Veere: A prosperous trading port in the Middle Ages, particularly known for its Scottish wool trade.
• Koudekerke: A small village on Walcheren Island, depicting the rural life of the region.
• Oostburg: Known for its church tower, the only remnant of a 13th-century church destroyed in WWII.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Scheldt River: A major river that has played a crucial role in the region's history and economy.
• Grevelingen: The largest saltwater lake in Western Europe, known for its clear water and rich biodiversity.
• Oosterschelde: A large estuary known for its tidal nature and the Oosterscheldekering, a major feat of Dutch engineering.
• Haringvliet: A large body of water, part of the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse rivers.
• Dunes of Walcheren: These dunes form a natural barrier protecting the island from the sea.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• Battle of Sluis (1604): An important naval battle during the Eighty Years' War where the Dutch reclaimed Sluis from the Spanish.
• Construction of the Canal through Walcheren (1611-1615): A significant engineering feat to improve the connection between Middelburg and the sea.
• Raid on the Medway (1667): A successful attack on the English navy in the river Medway, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.

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.