Old Map of Westphalia by Visscher, 1690: Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Cologne, Dortmund

Immerse yourself in the rich history and intricate geography of Westphalia with this detailed map created by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Known as 'Totius Circuli Westphalici : accurata descriptio', or 'Accurate Description of the Whole Westphalian Circle', this map offers a unique perspective on the political and geographical divisions of the time. As part of the larger modern-day area of Germany, Westphalia's significance is beautifully captured in this piece.

Nicolaes Visscher II, the creator of this map, comes from a lineage of exceptional Dutch cartographers. His grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, was one of the most renowned mapmakers during the Dutch Golden Age. This heritage of excellence is evident in the precise detailing and accuracy of this map, making it a valuable piece for any history or geography enthusiast.

The map highlights several key cities and landmarks, including Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover, Cologne, and Dortmund. Each city is represented with meticulous detail, offering a snapshot of their historical significance and geographical context. The depiction of these cities not only provides a glimpse into their past but also a deeper understanding of their role in the larger Westphalian region.

Beyond the cities, the map also captures the intricate political divisions of Westphalia during the late 17th century. These divisions, subtly marked and labeled, provide a unique insight into the historical context of the region. Whether you're a historian, a map collector, or simply a lover of beautifully crafted historical artifacts, this map of Westphalia by Visscher is a remarkable piece that brings history and geography together in a visually stunning way.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Westphalia

• Hamburg: Known as the "Gateway to the World", Hamburg was a major port and member of the medieval Hanseatic League.
• Bremen: An important member of the Hanseatic League, Bremen was known for its maritime trade and architecture.
• Hanover: Established as a village by the Honovere tribe, it became a powerful and influential city by 1690.
• Cologne: Known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium in Roman times, Cologne was a significant trade and production center.
• Dortmund: Known for its brewing tradition, Dortmund was a member of the Hanseatic League.
• Münster: Historically known as Monasterium, it was a center for the Anabaptist movement.
• Düsseldorf: Known for its pioneering influence in fine arts, it was a small rural town in 1690.
• Essen: Known for its historical Abbey, Essen was a small town growing in importance.
• Bielefeld: Founded as a city by Count Hermann IV of Ravensberg, it was a growing linen-weaving center.
• Bochum: Known for its coal mining and steel production, Bochum was a small town in 1690.
• Paderborn: Known for its historical cathedral, Paderborn was a significant bishopric.
• Gelsenkirchen: Known for its coal mining, it was a small farming community in 1690.
• Bonn: Known as Castra Bonnensia in Roman times, Bonn was a small but significant Roman settlement.
• Mönchengladbach: Known for its textile and coal industries, it was a small town in 1690.
• Krefeld: Known for its silk and velvet production, Krefeld was a small but growing town.
• Oberhausen: Known for its ironworks, Oberhausen was a small farming community in 1690.
• Hagen: Known for its steel production, Hagen was a small town in 1690.
• Hamm: Known for its coal mining, Hamm was a small but growing town.
• Herne: Known for its pottery production, Herne was a small town in 1690.
• Mülheim: Known for its leather and cloth production, Mülheim was a small town in 1690.
• Solingen: Known for its blade production, Solingen was a small town in 1690.
• Leverkusen: Known for its chemical production, Leverkusen was a small town in 1690.
• Neuss: Known as Novaesium in Roman times, Neuss was a significant Roman military post.
• Witten: Known for its coal mining, Witten was a small town in 1690.
• Recklinghausen: Known for its coal mining, Recklinghausen was a small town in 1690.
• Bottrop: Known for its coal mining, Bottrop was a small town in 1690.
• Remscheid: Known for its tool production, Remscheid was a small town in 1690.
• Moers: Known for its textile production, Moers was a small town in 1690.
• Siegen: Known for its iron ore mining, Siegen was a small town in 1690.
• Gütersloh: Known for its linen production, Gütersloh was a small town in 1690.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries: - Rhine River: One of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, it forms a natural boundary in the region. - Weser River: An important north-flowing river, it was a significant trade route. - Ems River: Known for its picturesque beauty, it was a significant geographical feature. - Teutoburg Forest: Known for the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, it's a popular tourist attraction. - Sauerland: Known for its hills and forests, it's a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690: - Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): A devastating conflict in the region that resulted in significant political and social changes. - Peace of Westphalia (1648): The series of peace treaties signed in Münster and Osnabrück effectively ended the European wars of religion. - Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678): A conflict that involved several German states, including those in Westphalia.

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.