Seventeenth Century Map
A seventeenth century map brings early cartography into a room, showing counties and borders drawn by masters of the age.
Seventeenth Century Map
A seventeenth century map captures the geography of counties, regions, and countries as recorded by cartographers working during the seventeen hundreds and earlier periods. Buyers searching this phrase encounter framed wall art, atlas engravings, and prints detailing English, Welsh, and Dutch territories.
The pieces listed on this page span the 17th Century, featuring styles such as Carolean, Dutch Baroque, Jacobean, and Dutch Golden Age cartography. Alongside genuine period items, the selection includes later interpretations such as Edwardian print reproductions of earlier works.
Works originate from renowned cartographic sources, including county maps by John Speed, Robert Morden, and John Ogilby, alongside publications from the Blaeu atlas workshop. These items primarily appear framed in wood under glass, ready for hanging as wall art.
Understanding quality
Quality rests in the clarity of the engraving, the precision of the cartographic detail, and the vibrancy of any hand-applied watercolour. Impressions taken early from a copper plate display sharper lines and more legible place names than those pulled after extensive use.
The provenance and significance of the cartographer dictate the standing of the piece. Works by major figures like Joan Blaeu or John Speed command greater attention than anonymous county maps or later Edwardian reproductions.
Seventeenth Century Map Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for seventeenth century map among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Early mapmakers filled empty ocean spaces with sea monsters to frighten sailors away from uncharted waters.
Blaeu·Joan Blaeu·John Speed·Robert Morden·John Ogilby·Jan Blaeu·Claes Jansz Visscher·William Hole
The Seventeenth Century Map Glossary
- Atlas
- A bound collection of maps published as a single volume. Many individual sheets available today were originally sourced from such publications.
- Cartography
- The study and practice of making maps. Period cartography reflects contemporary political borders and geographical understanding.
- Engraving
- A printmaking technique where an image is cut into a metal plate with a burin. Ink is applied to the plate and transferred to paper under pressure.
- Hand coloured
- The application of watercolour by hand to a printed black and white map. This adds visual distinction to regional boundaries and decorative cartouches.
- Carolean
- Pertaining to the reign of King Charles the First or King Charles the Second. This stylistic period aligns with many English maps of the era.
Seventeenth Century Map: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a seventeenth century map?
Dating relies on the cartographer's active working years, historical events noted on the sheet, and publication dates recorded in reference atlases.
Printers often updated plates with new roads or settlements, allowing collectors to narrow down the year of impression.
Are these maps hand coloured?
Many examples feature original or later hand applied watercolour wash to highlight county borders and decorative cartouches.
Examination under magnification helps distinguish period pigments from modern additions.
How should I frame and hang antique maps?
Maps need conservation framing behind glass that blocks ultraviolet light to prevent the paper and ink from fading.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect the organic materials.
What is the difference between Dutch and English maps?
Dutch mapmakers of the golden age focused on elaborate decorative flourishes, ornate title cartouches, and rich shading.
English county maps often concentrated on local topography, heraldry, and detailed geographical text.