Map of Portugal and Algarve by Johannes de Ram (1648-1693). The title cartouche in the upper left depicts cherubs holding the Portuguese coat of arms; a note within the cartouche explains that the longitudinal lines on the map are based from the prime meridian that runs through Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The scale cartouche in the lower right features Neptune with a trident and two cherubs holding the coat of arms of Algarve, then a semi-autonomous region of Portugal. Amsterdam. 52 x 62cm.
This map was engraved by Frederick de Wit (1630-1706), one of the most prominent and successful publishers in Amsterdam. The Holy Land extends from Sidon and Damascus to the Wilderness of Pharan in the Sinai. The decoration in the map relates to the Old Testament. At the bottom of the map is a depiction of an encampment of the Israelites during Exodus. The Twelve Tribes are around the perimeter and in the center the Tabernacle is illustrated with the Levites in attendance. Moses is at the left holding his staff and his brother Aaron is opposite. The caption in the sea refers to Lebanese cedars being sent by King Hiram of Tyre to King Solomon. The theme of the richness of the Promised Land is emphasized with the beautiful garland supported by the angels across the top, containing fruit, grapes and flowers. North oriented to the right. Amsterdam. 52 x 62cm.
Map of Scandinavia by Justus Danckerts (1635-1701) includes the Baltic and part of Russia. The title cartouche with an armorer's forge and Swedish coat of arms probably alludes to Sweden's power in the late seventeenth century. 52 x 62cm
