Deliniatio Cartae Trium Navigationum per Batavos, ad Septentrionalem Plagam, Norvegiae, Moscoviae, et Novae Semblae…

$34,500

Cartographer(s): Willem Barentsz
Date: 1598
Place: Amsterdam
Dimensions: 22 x 16.5 inches
Condition Rating: VG

In stock

SKU: NL-02152 Category:

A rare milestone in the early mapping of Polar Regions.

Details

Willem Barentsz, renowned as a leading figure in early Arctic exploration, contributed significantly to cartography with his meticulously crafted map of the Polar Regions, published in Amsterdam in 1598. The map was compiled following his third voyage (1596-1597) and was skillfully engraved by Baptista van Doetecum. It is a hallmark of Arctic cartography today, as when it was first published.

 

Polar Coasts and Novaya Zemlya

Even though the map is in the fantastical and figurative style of the late Renaissance, Barentsz’s map demonstrates a deep personal understanding of the region he depicted. Barentsz had, after all, captained multiple expeditions along Scandinavia and Russia’s Arctic coastlines. Of particular importance is the eastern extent up to Novaya Zemlya, where he and his team were the first Europeans to venture. The west coast of Novaya Zemlya is even more detailed, including many local place names. The map also identifies where Barentsz and his crew established their winter refuge, known as ‘Het Behouden Huys.‘

 

Spitsbergen and Speculative Asian Coasts

Distinguished as the first map to illustrate Spitsbergen, Barentsz’s exploration in 1596 led to the discovery of this northern archipelago. The map also features speculative coastlines of Asia, depicting unfinished shores in Tartary. It intriguingly portrays the mythical Strait of Anian and the enigmatic Polus Magnetis (Magnetic North Pole), demonstrating his keen awareness of the effects of magnetic declination.

 

The Legacy of Willem Barentsz

A prominent pioneer of Arctic exploration, Willem Barentsz’s voyages helped shape Dutch aspirations for finding new trade routes to Asia. Despite facing harsh Arctic conditions and enduring several perilous journeys, Barentsz’s expeditions laid the foundation for all subsequent Arctic exploration. His meticulous observations and cartographic endeavors significantly advanced the understanding of the Polar Regions, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of exploration and mapmaking.

 

Census and Rarity

This map was originally published as a separately issued map, but many surviving examples can be found bound into composite atlases of the period. The map was also included in some copies of Linschoten’s Navigatio ac itinerarium… (Amsterdam, 1598). Linschoten commissioned Baptist van Deutecum, one of the finest engravers and artists in the Low Countries, to design and engrave the map.

While Barentz’s attempts to find the Northeast Passage were ultimately not successful, his bravery and intellectual curiosity inspired future generations of polar explorers. This map is the foundation for all future Arctic mapping, making it one of the most significant maps of its period.

Cartographer(s):

Willem Barentsz

Willem Barentsz (c. 1550-1597) was a Dutch explorer and cartographer who was celebrated for pioneering Arctic expeditions during the late 16th century. Born around 1550, Barentsz embarked on a remarkable career marked by audacious voyages and significant contributions to geographical knowledge.

In collaboration with Petrus Plancius, Barentsz co-published an atlas of the Mediterranean, showcasing his early interest in cartography. However, his enduring legacy rests primarily on his Arctic endeavors. Inspired by the prospect of finding a Northeast Passage to Asia, Barentsz embarked on three ambitious voyages to the Arctic between 1594 and 1597. During these expeditions, Barentsz encountered numerous challenges, including treacherously icy conditions, polar bears, and navigational failures. Despite these obstacles, his voyages yielded crucial geographical insights and paved the way for future Arctic exploration.

Barentsz’s first significant voyage in 1594 led to the discovery of Novaya Zemlya’s western coast, while subsequent expeditions in 1595 and 1596 further expanded knowledge of the Arctic landscape. Notably, Barentsz’s third expedition in 1596 resulted in the sighting of Spitsbergen, a significant milestone in Arctic exploration. Tragically, Barentsz’s final expedition in 1597 ended in adversity when his ship became trapped in ice near Novaya Zemlya. Despite valiant efforts to navigate the frozen waters, Barentsz succumbed to the harsh conditions, passing away in June 1597.

Barentsz’s contributions to Arctic exploration and cartography were immense, shaping European understanding of the Polar Regions and inspiring future explorers. His enduring legacy remains enshrined in his maps and journals and in the indelible mark he left on the history of exploration.

Condition Description

Beautiful impression. Cut to the neatline on the left and re-margined. A few other minor fold splits, repaired on verso and two minor spots.

References

Ginsberg, W.B. (Scandinavia) #47, fig. 47.0; TMC 9, p.10.

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