Old Map of Holland by Visscher, 1690: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Leiden

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Dutch Golden Age with this exquisite map, 'Comitatus Hollandiae tabula', crafted by the renowned cartographer Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated into English, the map's title means 'Map of the County of Holland', offering a detailed view of the various regions and political divisions of Holland, a significant area within the modern-day Netherlands.

Notable cities featured prominently on this map include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Leiden. Each city holds a wealth of history and cultural significance. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, was already a bustling hub of commerce and art during the time this map was made. Rotterdam, known for its maritime history, serves as one of the world's largest seaports. The Hague, the administrative capital, is home to the Dutch royal family and the International Court of Justice. Utrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, boasts a rich ecclesiastical history. Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt, is famous for its centuries-old architecture and the oldest university in the Netherlands.

In addition to these cities, the map also provides a detailed view of the intricate waterways and topographical features of the region. The vast network of canals, rivers, and lakes illustrates the impressive feats of Dutch engineering and their historical relationship with water management. These features are a testament to the Netherlands' long-standing battle against the sea, and their success in land reclamation.

Nicolaes Visscher II, the map's creator, belonged to the prestigious Visscher family of cartographers, artists, and publishers. He was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, one of the finest mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age. This map, therefore, is not just a geographical representation, but also a piece of art, carrying the legacy of a family that greatly contributed to the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. With its historical and artistic significance, this map offers a unique journey into the past, making it a perfect addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift for history and map enthusiasts.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

In the County of Holland:

• Amsterdam: Known as Amstelredamme in the early days, it was already a thriving center of trade by 1690, especially known for its stock exchange.
• Rotterdam: Known for its maritime history, Rotterdam was a significant seaport during the Dutch Golden Age.
• The Hague (Den Haag): Historically known as 's-Gravenhage, it was the administrative capital and home to the Dutch royal family.
• Leiden: The birthplace of the famous painter Rembrandt, it was also known for its historic university, founded in 1575.
• Haarlem: Known for its tulip fields and art scene, it was a major center for the Dutch Golden Age painters.
• Delft: Famous for its blue pottery and as the birthplace of the painter Vermeer.
• Alkmaar: Known for its cheese market, it was a commercial hub for dairy products.
• Gouda: Another city known for its cheese, it also had significant cloth and brewing industries.
• Schiedam: Known for its jenever (Dutch gin) distilleries and windmills.
• Vlaardingen: An important fishing town in the 17th century, especially known for herring.
• Hoorn: A significant seaport and the founding city of the Dutch East India Company.
• Enkhuizen: Another founding city of the Dutch East India Company, known for herring fishing.
• Medemblik: The oldest city in West Friesland, it was a bustling trading town.
• Brielle: Also known as Den Briel, it was a strategic military and naval base.
• Schoonhoven: Known for its silver, hence its nickname Zilverstad (Silver City).

In the Lordship of Utrecht:

• Utrecht: One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it was a religious center with a significant cathedral.
• Amersfoort: Known for its tobacco industry and beer brewing.
• Zeist: Known for its castles and manor houses.
• Rhenen: Known for its strategic location on the Rhine river.
• Montfoort: Known for its fortifications and castle.

Notable Natural Phenomena and Boundaries:

• The Rhine River: An important waterway for trade and transportation.
• The Scheldt River: Another significant waterway, leading to the North Sea.
• The IJssel River: Known for its scenic beauty.
• The Zuiderzee: A shallow bay of the North Sea, important for fishing and trade.
• The boundary with the Holy Roman Empire: An important political and trade boundary.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621): A significant pause in the Eighty Years' War against Spain.
• The Synod of Dort (1618-1619): A significant religious meeting that led to the development of the Dutch Reformed Church.
• The Disaster Year (1672): When France, England, the Bishopric of Münster, and the Archbishopric of Cologne jointly attacked the Dutch Republic.

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.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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.