Rare "Twelve Caesars" World Map by Visscher, 1652: Mythical Islands, Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, etc.

Embark on a journey through time with the Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula, a masterpiece of cartography crafted by the renowned Dutch mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher in 1652. This map, a testament to the golden age of Dutch cartography, encapsulates the world as it was perceived in the 17th century, blending scientific discovery with the artistry of its era. Visscher, celebrated for his precision and skill, has created not merely a navigational tool but a historical document that captures the imagination, revealing a world on the cusp of the Age of Exploration. The map’s detailed depiction of continents, countries, and regions, alongside mythical islands such as Frisland and Brasil, offers a fascinating glimpse into the geographical knowledge and myths of the time.

The map's design and style are a feast for the eyes, characterized by its hand-colored engraving that brings to life the political landscape of the 17th century. The Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis is adorned with elaborate borders and vignettes that narrate the world beyond mere geography. The inclusion of the Twelve Caesars, mounted Roman emperors in the decorative borders, infuses the map with a sense of historical depth and grandeur. These emperors, each depicted in elaborate suits of armor, serve as guardians of the ancient world's knowledge, overseeing a map that is as much a political statement as it is a geographical one.

The Twelve Caesars are, in order, Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian.

In addition to its political and historical significance, the map is a marvel of artistic embellishment. The Four Continents are personified in the corners, each represented in a manner that reflects the contemporary European perceptions of Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. These personifications, along with panels depicting the traditional dress of people from around the world and views of ports such as Baía de Todos os Santos and Havana, provide a vivid cultural context. The map’s borders are a canvas, illustrating the diversity of the human experience and the vastness of the world in a manner that is both educational and enchanting.

The Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis is not just a portrayal of the world's geography but a comprehensive narrative that includes depictions of sea creatures, sailing ships, sea monsters, and gods, alongside constellations and celestial phenomena. The inclusion of a depiction of the solar system and various bodies of water, from the Nile River to the Pacific Ocean, showcases Visscher’s ambition to encapsulate all known aspects of the world and beyond. This map transcends its function as a geographical guide, serving as a portal to the mysteries and marvels of the universe as understood in the 17th century.

Claes Janszoon Visscher’s Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula stands as a monument to the art of mapmaking and the enduring human quest for knowledge. It captures a world where the known and the mythical coexist, where the boundaries of exploration are constantly expanding. This map is not just a historical artifact; it is a window into the aspirations, fears, and wonders of a bygone era. Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a testament to the human spirit's unquenchable thirst for discovery and understanding.

Countries and regions on this map

• Africa
• America
• Asia
• Baía de Todos os Santos
• Brasil
• Frisland
• Greenland
• Havana
• Hy Brasil
• Jerusalem
• Magellanica
• Mexico City
• North America
• Pernambuco
• Rome
• South America
• Tunis
• Antarctica

Notable Features & Landmarks

• A depiction of the solar system is in the upper center.
• A decorative title cartouche is in the upper left.
• A decorative scale cartouche is in the lower right.
• Illustrations of various sea creatures surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sailing ships surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sea monsters surround the map.
• Illustrations of various sea gods surround the map.
• Illustrations of various wind gods surround the map.
• Illustrations of various constellations surround the map.
• Illustrations of various people in traditional dress from around the world surround the map.

Historical and design context

• Name: Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula Autore N I Piscator
• Date: 1652
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Claes Janszoon Visscher was a Dutch engraver and cartographer who was active in Amsterdam during the 17th century.
• The map is known as the Twelve Caesars Map, and is famous for the inclusion of the mounted Roman emperors in the decorative borders.
• The map is a political map that shows the countries and regions of the world as they were known in the 17th century.
• The map includes mythical islands such as Frisland and Brasil.
• Design and style: The map is a hand-colored engraving. The map is decorated with elaborate borders and vignettes, which illustrate the different countries and regions of the world.
• Historical significance: The map is a valuable historical document that provides a snapshot of the world as it was known in the 17th century. It is also a beautiful work of art, and is an important example of Dutch cartography.

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.