Africæ nova descriptio (1690) by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. With Artist Name and Title. Giclee Print with Pigment Based Ink on Museum Quality Matte Paper in a Custom Built Sustainable Wood Frame.
Africæ nova descriptio (1690) by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. With Artist Name and Title. Giclee Print with Pigment Based Ink on Museum Quality Matte Paper in a Custom Built Sustainable Wood Frame.
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Artist Name Willem Janszoon Blaeu_x000D_
Artwork Name Africæ nova descriptio_x000D_
Artwork Date 1690_x000D_
Artist Nationality Dutch_x000D_
Artistic Style or Movement Baroque Cartography_x000D_
Genre Map_x000D_
Period 17th Century_x000D_
Medium Engraving on paper_x000D_
Technique Hand-colored engraving_x000D_
Cultural and Geographic Context European exploration and colonialism_x000D_
Thematic or Conceptual Context Representation of Africa_x000D_
Artists Intent and Context To provide a detailed and decorative map of Africa for European audiences_x000D_
Formal Elements and Composition Ornate borders_x000D_
detailed coastlines_x000D_
and cartouches with allegorical figures.
Willem Janszoon Blaeus Africæ nova descriptio 1690 stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. Blaeu, a revered figure in the world of mapmaking, was born in 1571 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. He was not only an artist but also a scientist, apprenticing under the famed astronomer Tycho Brahe. His maps are celebrated for their precision, artistry, and the seamless blend of scientific rigor with aesthetic beauty._x000D_
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Africæ nova descriptio exemplifies Blaeus cartographic prowess and his philosophical approach to mapmaking, which combined empirical observation with artistic embellishment. The map is a prime example of the Baroque style in cartography, where elaborate decorative elements such as sea monsters, ships, and ornate cartouches frame the geographical content. This work is not merely a tool for navigation but a work of art that reflects the 17th-century European worldview and the age of exploration._x000D_
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The maps genre is cartographic art, and its subject matter is the African continent, depicted with remarkable detail and embellished with rich iconography. Blaeu employed techniques such as copperplate engraving and hand-coloring to achieve a vibrant and detailed representation. The significance of this piece lies in its historical value, offering insights into the geographical knowledge and colonial aspirations of the time. The original Africæ nova descriptio is currently held in esteemed collections, including the British Library, where it continues to be a vital resource for historians and art scholars alike.
Experience this masterpiece as a museum-quality fine art print with vibrant, true-to-life colors, created using advanced 12-color giclée printing technology. Elegantly framed in premium oak or ash wood with unique grain patterns, each print arrives ready to hang, showcasing the artwork on archival-grade, masters edition, museum-quality acid-free paper for a glare-free, clean finish.
Giclée printing delivers exceptional resolution, expansive color spectrum, and uncompromising detail, ensuring high-quality reproductions that closely mirror the original artwork. Preferred by artists, photographers, and galleries, it offers a precise replication of color palettes, capturing every nuance for timeless masterpieces ideal for your home or office.
Crafted with fade-resistant, pigment-based archival inks , these prints guarantee longevity and brilliance for generations. Frames are custom-built by specialist artisans, featuring a 20mm 0.79 thick design with shatterproof plexiglass protection. Available in various sizes, they are eco-friendly, using FSC-certified materials and responsibly sourced wood.
Key Features
Frame Material Responsibly sourced oak or ash wood.
Paper Finish Smooth, glare-free matte 200 gsm 80 lb, 0.26 mm 10.3 mils.
Color Vibrancy High-quality ink technology ensures vivid and accurate colors.
Protection Shatterproof plexiglass.
Eco-Friendly Printed on FSC-certified paper and wood.
Ready-to-Hang Includes a hanging kit for immediate display.
Enjoy timeless art with unmatched quality and sustainability.