Pascaart vant Canaal, Tusschen Engelant en Vrancryck, alsmede ge heel Ierlant en Schotlant

Description

This is an early sea chart of the British Isles, created by the seminal Jan Janssonius and featuring stunning coloration highlighted with gold leaf. The chart, which is distinctly nautical in both appearance and nature, depicts the British Isles almost in their entirety and is oriented with east at the top. The only part of the English landmass that is not visible is hidden behind the stunning title cartouche.

The chart showcases the coastal waters surrounding the British Isles, northern France, and Ireland. Among the depicted lands are the many smaller and larger islands in the coastal waters surrounding Britain. Especially the islands of Scotland’s western archipelago have been rendered in high definition.

A beautifully adorned title cartouche at the bottom of the chart features Neptune, a river goddess, and the royal coat of arms. Being a sea chart, the map naturally includes rhumb lines, compass roses, and engraved details pertaining to the coastlines, complemented by original hand-colored outlines. The cartouches are as exquisitely colored as they are carved, adding to the map’s aesthetic appeal.

Jansson’s chart of the British Isles was based on Anthony Jacobsz Lootsman’s sea chart from 1644. It was issued in 1660 as part of Jansson’s notable nautical compendium: Atlantis Majoris Quinta Pars Orbem Maritimum seu, which served as the fifth volume of his renowned Atlas Novus.