Old Map of Guyenne, France by Visscher, 1690: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Donostia-San-Sebastian, Pau, Pyrénées
Only 1 in stock
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Handmade in the UK
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Your map will be handmade in the UK
The Unique Maps Co. is a UK-based company that prints, frames, personalises and delivers maps all around the world.
If the delivery address is in the UK, your map will be printed and framed here.
If the delivery address is outside the UK, I will print and frame the map outside of the UK. I have local production facilities in 22 countries.
This is great for gifting. For example, you can buy a map for someone in Singapore, and I'll make and deliver the map locally in Singapore with no tax or duty to be paid by the recipient.
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Free delivery
in 2 to 3 days
Delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1 to 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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Premium hardwood frames
Premium hardwood frames
My framed maps are handmade by professional, experienced framers from sustainably sourced hardwoods.
This means your framed map will feel solid and well-made.
My standard frame colours (black, dark brown, white, oak and gold) are available for all map sizes worldwide.
Custom framing is available for an additional fee.
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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.
- 5 stars 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot
- Best size: 16x20in (40.5x51cm) or larger
Custom map sizes are available
At The Unique Maps Co., every order is processed and made by hand. There is no mass production and every map is custom made to order.
This means that I can tailor your map so that it perfectly fits a space on your wall, or a frame that you already own.
To order a custom sized map, select the size closest to what you need, and then select 'customise the size?' from the options below.
Custom sizing is free for large maps over 100cm or 40 inches, but for smaller maps there will be an additional small fee.
Need help ordering?
Call the workshop 9am to 5pm, or WhatsApp me any time.
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Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the late 17th century with the exquisite 'Description du Guienne' map, a masterpiece by Nicolaes Visscher II. Translated into English, the title reveals the map's primary focus: 'Description of Guyenne', a historical region of France that now forms part of the larger modern-day area of the country. This stunning cartographic representation brings to life the various regions and political divisions of Guyenne, as they were understood in 1690. The richly detailed design is not only a testament to Visscher's craftsmanship but also a reflection of the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking, which his family significantly contributed to.
This map is a fascinating exploration of the historical cities of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Donostia-San-Sebastian, and Pau. Each city is intricately depicted, highlighting the unique architectural and cultural characteristics of the time. The map also features the Pyrénées National Park, an iconic natural landmark that forms a majestic backdrop to these urban centers. This detailed depiction of the region's topography allows you to traverse the landscape of the past, from bustling cities to serene natural vistas.
Hand-colored in outline, the engraved map vividly illustrates the region's towns, fortifications, forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks. It includes decorative cartouches, a compass rose, and rhumb lines, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The relief is shown pictorially, lending a three-dimensional effect to the map and enhancing its visual depth. These features not only add to the map's artistic value but also provide valuable insights into the geographical understanding and artistic conventions of the time.
The 'Description du Guienne' map is more than just a cartographic representation of a historical region. It is a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the geographical, political, and cultural landscape of late 17th-century France. This map is an invaluable addition to any collection, appealing to historians, cartographers, and art enthusiasts alike. Its detailed depiction of Guyenne, combined with its artistic beauty and historical significance, makes it a truly unique and luxurious piece.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Guyenne Region:
- Toulouse: Known as the 'Pink City', it was a major city in the Roman Empire. Historical name: Tolosa.
- Bordeaux: Famous for its wine production, it was an important port city. Historical name: Burdigala.
- Pau: Known for its Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV of France.
- Agen: A bustling city known for its prune production.
- Bayonne: A fortified city and important military and commercial port.
- Bergerac: Known for its wine and tobacco.
- Mont-de-Marsan: Known for its annual 'Madeleine' festival.
- Dax: Famous for its hot springs and spa facilities.
- Montauban: Known for its red brick buildings and the Ingres Museum.
- Perigueux: Known for its Gallo-Roman ruins.
- Cahors: Famous for its medieval bridge, the Pont Valentré.
- Albi: Known for its unique red brick cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
- Rodez: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Soulages Museum.
- Castres: Known for its houses on the Agout river.
- Tarbes: Known for its National stud farm and the Massey garden.
- Auch: Known for its monumental staircase and the statue of d'Artagnan.
- Marmande: Famous for its tomato festival.
- Angoulême: Known for its international comics festival.
- La Rochelle: Famous for its old port and towers.
- Poitiers: Known for its medieval architecture and the Futuroscope theme park.
- Limoges: Famous for its porcelain production.
- Clermont-Ferrand: Known for its black lava stone cathedral.
- Châteauroux: Known for its dance festival.
- Tours: Famous for its old town and the Saint-Gatien cathedral.
- Orléans: Known for its association with Joan of Arc.
- Blois: Famous for its Renaissance castle.
- Chartres: Known for its Gothic cathedral.
- Rouen: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Gros-Horloge.
- Le Havre: Known for its modern architecture.
- Amiens: Famous for its Gothic cathedral and the Jules Verne house.
Notable Natural Attractions:
- Pyrénées National Park: A mountain range forming a natural border between France and Spain.
- Garonne River: One of the major rivers in France, flowing through Toulouse and Bordeaux.
- Dordogne River: Known for its scenic beauty and prehistoric cave paintings.
- Landes Forest: One of the largest man-made forests in Europe.
- Arcachon Bay: Known for its oyster cultivation.
Historical Events (1600-1690):
- 1627-1628: The Siege of La Rochelle during the French Wars of Religion.
- 1659: The Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, ending the Franco-Spanish War.
- 1674: The city of Strasbourg was annexed to France.
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.
My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).
In all cases 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.
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.
A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.
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.
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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps
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.
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 1,500 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.
