1671 Map of Mexico and Central America “Yucatan Conventus Iuridici Hispaniae Novae Pars Occidentalis, et Guatimala Conventus Iuridicus”, Montanus/Ogilby Montanus’ work was perhaps the largest illustrated book on the New World produced in the 17th century. It contains over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views and maps of North and […]
Historical Maps of Brazil
Historical Maps of Brazil
The history of Brazil can be told through maps that show the territorial changes that have taken place over the centuries. Since the beginning of the 16th century, various cartographies have depicted indigenous scenes, fauna, vegetation and the names given to the country, such as Terra de Santa Cruz, Terra Incógnita, Terra dos Papagaios and Brasil.
Cartographers such as Ruysch, Waldseemüller, Ortelius and Gastaldi recorded the first names and territorial disputes.
In the 16th century, maps show exchanges between the French and indigenous peoples, documented by André Thevet, who accompanied the creation of the Antarctic colony.
During the Iberian Union (1580-1640), the French, English and Dutch presence on the Brazilian coast increased.
The Philippine Crown encouraged Luso-Brazilian expansion beyond the Treaty of Tordesillas, recording new fortresses and cities on the maps of Cochado and Albernaz I.
In the 17th century, Portuguese manuscript cartography detailed the Brazilian coast, most notably the map of Albernaz II (1666), which highlighted São Paulo and the Jesuit missions in the south.
Between 1624 and 1654, Dutch cartography stood out with maps such as “Perfect Caerte der Gelegentheyt van Olinda de Pharnambuco Maurits-stadt ende t’Reciffo” by Cornelis Golijath.
In the 18th century, French cartography prevailed, with contributions from Guillaume de L’Isle and Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville. De L’Isle corrected errors in Portuguese calculations of Brazil’s longitudes, influencing the Treaty of Madrid (1750), which redefined borders and led to a vast cartographic production.
In the 19th century, the manuscript atlas “Guia dos Caminhantes” (1817) by Anastácio de Santana stands out, with maps of Brazil and Salvador.
The period saw an increase in cartographic production, covering provinces, hydrography and borders. In 1922, the Engineering Club published “Carta geographica do Brasil”, consolidating centuries of cartographic records.
Important historical maps of Brazil
- Map by Juan de la Cosa (1500) – First representation of the Americas, including the northeast coast of Brazil.
- Letter by Pero Vaz de Caminha (1500) – Description of the discovery of Brazil.
- Mapa de Cantino (1502) – First detailed map of the Brazilian coast.
- Map of Lopo Homem (1519) – Part of Miller’s Atlas, with great precision.
- Mercator map (1569) – Influential in world cartography.
- Map by João Teixeira Albernaz I (1640) – Showing the hereditary captainships.
- Map by Guillaume Delisle (1703) – Detailed and widely used in Europe.
- Map of the Treaty of Madrid (1750) – Redefined the borders between Portugal and Spain.
- Map of the Empire of Brazil (1822) – Showing the territory after independence.
- Cruls Map (1892) – Basis for the future capital, Brasilia.
Historical maps are essential tools for understanding the territorial, political and economic development of Brazil, from colonisation to the consolidation of the Republic.
Map of Africa from 1570
Historical Map of Africa from 1570 Ortelius’ Cornerstone Map of Africa “Africae Tabula Nova”, Ortelius, Abraham Period: 1570 Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum This striking map is one of the cornerstone maps of Africa and remained the standard map of Africa well into the seventeenth century. It was designed by Ortelius […]
Map of Brazil 1730 – Historical Map
Map of Brazil 1730 – Historical Map “Nova et Accurata Brasiliae Totius Tabula, Auctore Ioanne Blaeu I.F.”, Blaeu/Schenk This rare map is Johannes Blaeu’s third map of Brazil. The map includes the hereditary captaincies along the coast and is a significant improvement on Blaeu’s previous maps of Brazil. The beautiful […]
1620 Map of Portugal and Spain – Historical Map
Map of Portugal and Spain, 1620 “Hispaniae Nova Describtio, de integro Multis Inlocis, Secundum Hydrographicas, Desc. Emendata”, Hondius, Jodocus Excellent map of Spain and Portugal, including Majorca and Minorca. Exquisitely engraved by Petrus Kaerius, with elaborate cartouches, sailing ships, sea monsters and compass roses. The sea is engraved in a […]
Map of South America 1601 – Historical Map
Map of South America 1601 – Descripcion de las Indias “Descripcion de las Indias de Mediodia”, Herrera y Tordesillas, Antonio de Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas was the official historian of Spain and the Indies. He compiled a history of the Spanish conquests and early explorations of the Americas, which […]
1584 World Map – Historical Map
1584 World Map – Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ortelius’ famous world map – first plate in full contemporary colour “Typus Orbis Terrarum”, Ortelius, Abraham This is the first (of three) world maps included in Ortelius’ famous atlas. It is a simplified reduction of Mercator’s influential map of 1569, presented in an […]
Map of Africa 1593 – Historical Map
Map of Africa 1593 – Speculum Orbis Terrae “Africae Vera Forma, et Situs”, Jode, Cornelis de This extremely rare map is an interesting combination of cartographic sources. Cornelis prepared this map for the second edition of the Speculum after his father’s death in 1591. It replaced the African map of the […]
1575 Map of Europe – Historical Map
Map of Europe from 1575 – Cosmographie Universelle de Tout le Monde Scarce woodcut version of Ortelius’ map of Europe – “Europae”, Belleforest, Francois This rare map is a woodcut version of Ortelius’ map of Europe. The map extends to Iceland and part of Greenland, with a small part of […]
1671 Map of Jamaica
Map of Jamaica of 1671 – Atlas Maritimus “Novissima et Accuratissima Insulae Jamaicae Descriptio”, Seller, John This is the first edition of a very rare English map showing the island divided into districts. In 1670, Sir Thomas Modyford commissioned a survey of the island, which was completed by John Man, […]
1638 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean – Historical Map
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean from 1638 – Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas… “Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali, cum Terris Adiacentibus”, Blaeu, Willem This beautiful map of the West Indies reflects the first hand knowledge of Hessel Gerritsz during his voyage to South America and […]
Map of Panama 1699 – Historical Map
Map of Panama from 1699 “A Draft of the Golden & Adjacent Islands, with Part of ye Isthmus of Darien… [on sheet with] A New Map of ye Isthmus of Darien in America, the Bay of Panama, the Gulfs of Vallona or St. Michael…”, Hacke, William (Capt.) Two maps on […]
Map of Brazil from 1606 – Historical Map
Map of Brazil from 1606 – Delle Navigationi et Viaggi Raccolta… “Brazil”, Ramusio, Giovanni Battista This fascinating pictorial map is one of the first regional maps of Brazil. Illustrated with north to the right, the map is full of vignettes depicting native life rather than concentrating on geographical information. Indians […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1681
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1681 “Pascaerte van Westindien Begrypende in zich de Vaste Kusten en Eylanden, Alles op syn Waere Lengte en Breete op Wassende Graden Gelegt’, Keulen, Johannes van Van Keulen’s elegantly engraved map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean was based […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Southern United States, 1682
Map of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the southern United States, 1682 – Atlas Minor “Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali ac Regiones Adiacentes, a C. de May Usque ad Lineam Aequinoctialem”, Visscher, Nicolas This beautiful map shows the West Indies, covering the region from the Chesapeake to the […]
Map of South America and the Caribbean 1596 – Historical Map
Map of South America and the Caribbean from 1596 – Itinerario… “Delineatio Omnium Orarum Totius Australis Partis Americae, Dictae Peruvianae, a R. de la Plata, Brasiliam, Pariam, & Castellam Auream…”, Linschoten/Langren This is one of the most impressive and decorative maps of South America and an important early record of […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1675
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1675 “Indiarum Occidentalium Tractus Littorales cum Insulis Caribicis / Pascaert van Westindien ende Caribise Eylanden”, Wit, Frederick de This is a scarce first edition of one of the most beautifully engraved maps of the West Indies. It extends to show the […]
1666 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean – Historical Map
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean from 1666 – De Zee-Atlas, ofte Water-Weereld Scarce sea chart with an interesting depiction of the coastline of the USA, “Pascaerte van Westindien de Vaste Kusten en de Eylanden”, Goos, Pieter Goos’s scarce map of the Gulf of Mexico and the […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean from 1650-80
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean from 1650-80 – Atlas Minor sive Geographia “Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali ac Regiones Adiacentes, a C. de May Usque ad Lineam Aequinoctialem”, Visscher, Nicolas This handsome map focuses on the West Indies and covers the region from the Chesapeake through the […]
Southeastern Colonial Map of the United States, Bahamas and Greater Antilles, 1706
Colonial Map of the Southeastern United States, Bahamas and Greater Antilles, 1706 “De Vaste Kust van Chicora Tussen Florida en Virginie, door Lucas Vasquez d’Ayllon en Andere, van Hispaniola Besterend”, Aa, Pieter van der Scarce map of an unusually shaped Florida, with the Carolinas to the north as far as […]
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1594
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1594 – Grands Voyages, Part IV De Bry’s Superb Map of the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean & Northern South America “Occidentalis Americae Partis, vel, Earum Regionum quas Christophorus Columbus Primu Detexit Tabula Chorographicae Multorum Auctorum Scriptis…”, Bry, Theodore de. This […]
Map of Southern South America, 1656 – Historical Map
Map of southern South America from 1656 – Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde… “Le Paraguayr, le Chili. La Terre, et les Isles Magellanicques. Various relations”, Sanson/Mariette Excellent map of the southern part of the continent by the influential French cartographer. Particular attention is paid to the river […]
Painting of the Three Kings Fort in Natal from 1647
Painting of the Fort of the Three Kings in Natal from 1647 – Brazil – Rerum per Octennium in Brasilia “Fluvius Grandis”, Barlaeus, Caspar This finely drawn view shows Fort Ceulen (also known as Fort of the Three Wise Men) on the Potengi River in the present-day Natal region. In […]
1607 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere of 1607 – America Mercator’s foundation map of America “America sive India Nova, ad Magnae Gerardi Mercatoris aui Universalis Imitationem in Compendium Redacta”, Mercator, Michael This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas and an important base map for a collection of […]
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere – America – Historical Map
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere – America – Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ortelius’ Influential Map of the New World – Second Plate in Contemporary Colour “Americae sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio”, Ortelius, Abraham This is one of the most famous maps of America, which had an enormous influence on the […]
Map of Mexico and Central America, 1671 – Historical Map
Map of Mexico and Central America, 1671 “Yucatan Conventus Iuridici Hispaniae Novae Pars Occidentalis, et Guatimala Conventus Iuridicus”, Montanus/Ogilby Montanus’ work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views and maps of North and […]
Map of Southern South America, 1668 – Historical Map
Map of southern South America of 1668 – Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde… “La Terre et les Isles Magellaniques Tirees des Relations les Plus Recentes”, Sanson/Mariette An unusual map of Patagonia, southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Buenos Aires and the mouth of the River Plate are […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1794 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1794 “Plan of the Bay and Harbour of Rio-janeiro on the Coast of Brazil”, Laurie & Whittle This rare plan of Rio de Janeiro is based on the work of D’Apres de Mannevillette, with improvements by Sampson Hall, first mate of the Royal Bishop, and […]
Map of Brazil 1698 – Historical Map
Map of Brazil from 1698 – Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile “Itamaraca, Brazil”, Horatius, Andreas Antonius This magnificent map of the Brazilian province of Itamaraca, including part of Paraíba, was one of the 23 maps in this rare account of the Dutch-Portuguese colonial war. Written by João José […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro from 1682 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro 1682 “Pas-kaart, Van de Zee-Kusten van, Brazilia, Tusschen, C.S. Thome en I.S. Catharina…”, Keulen, Johannes van Rare sea chart of the Brazilian coast from the island of Santa Catarina to Cape S. Thomé. Thomé, together with an inset of the Rio Ianeiro (Rio de Janeiro […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1810 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1810 “Esquisse de la Ville et du Port de Rio De Janeiro”, Tardieu, Pierre Francois This rare aerial view of Rio de Janeiro shows forts, batteries and landing places for ships. Soundings, anchorages, sandbanks and navigational hazards are shown. A note in the lower […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1764 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1764 “Plan de la Baye de Rio-janeiro”, Bellin, Jacques Nicolas This beautiful map shows the Guanabara Bay with an aerial view of Rio de Janeiro. The decorative title cartouche contains a lettered legend identifying 12 locations in the bay, including 6 forts. Guanabara Bay […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1750 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1750 “Plan de la Baye et de la Ville de Rio Janeiro…” This beautiful panoramic plan of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay was created to illustrate the French siege of 1711. A large compass rose points north to right. Numbered and lettered legends […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1840 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro from 1840 – Abrege de Geographie… “Rio de Janeiro”, Renouard, Jules This sheet shows a detailed grid plan of Rio de Janeiro. The topography of the surrounding area is well represented. Drawn by A.H. Dufour, engraved by Desbuissons and lettered by Benard. Map of Rio […]
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1775 – Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro from 1775 – Le Neptune Oriental “Plan de la Baye et du Port de Rio-janeiro…”, Apres de Mannevillette, Jean B. N. D. This important old harbour chart shows Rio de Janeiro in block plan form. All the islands and coastal features are shown, with many […]
Map of the Western Hemisphere from 1700 – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1700 This sumptuous map of the Americas features a dramatically decorative title cartouche depicting an Amazon queen surrounded by riches, a sugar cane field and exotic animals. Inserted in the cartouche is a small map of the coast of New Zealand. The cartography of North […]
1719 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1719 This spectacular wall map is richly engraved in the tradition of Dutch cartography. Although the main focus of the map is the Americas, it also covers the entire Pacific, including the East Indies and Japan, and the entire Atlantic, including much of Western Europe […]
1730 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1730 This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with […]
1740 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1740 This impressive map of the Americas shows a prominent island of California, based on the second Sanson model, with two jagged bays on its north coast. Just above the island is the Strait of Fretum Anian and the coastline of Terra Esonis incognito, obscured […]
1638 Map of South America – Historical Map
Map of South America from 1638 This is an important decorative map of the continent and an essential piece for any South American collection. The coastlines are well detailed, but the interior is full of misinformation. Several rivers (including the Amazon and the Paraguay) flow into the Lago de los […]
1694 Map of South America – Historical Map
Map of South America from 1694 This beautiful map of the continent is decorated with elaborate title and mileage cartouches, which balance the lower part of the map with images of Native Americans, flora and fauna. One cartouche contains the title of the map, while the other shows eight different […]
1730 Map of Northern South America – Historical Map
Map of Northern South America from 1730 This beautiful and important map of the northern part of South America is full of information and annotations speculating on the indigenous tribes and the tributaries of the Amazon. The captains are shown along the coast of Brazil. An annotation in Guyana records […]
Map of Olinda in Pernambuco from 1640 – Historical Map
Map of Olinda in Pernambuco from 1640 This map shows two views of the Portuguese sugar colonies in Brazil during the Dutch invasion in 1630. The top view shows the Dutch fleet attacking the port and fort. Below is a plan of the town of Olinda and its surroundings, with […]
Maritime chart of the east coast of Brazil Ilha Grande and Sapetiba Bay 1884
Marine Map of the East Coast of Brazil Ilha Grande and Sapetiba Bay 1884 Beautiful large scale chart of the region west of Rio de Janeiro. Complete with soundings, anchorages and navigational hazards. In the background is a view of Ilha Grande and the East Passage. The chart was first […]
1823 Map of Brazil – Historical Map
Map of Brazil from 1823 A detailed map of Brazil showing cities, regions, mountains and the extensive river system. Lucas’ General Atlas is considered one of the finest general atlases produced in the USA at the time, due to its high quality paper, excellent engraving and attractive colouring. It was […]
1832 Map of Brazil – Historical Map
Map of Brazil from 1832 Cities, rivers, natives and more. English, Dutch and French Guiana appear to the north of Brazil. Parts of Colombia, Bolivia and Argentina are shown in less detail, and Paraguay and Uruguay are shown as part of Brazil.
Historical maps showing the territorial development of Brazil
The Territorial Formation of Brazil: From Continental Archipelago to National Unity Historical maps and the formation of Brazil Historical Maps show the development and territorial expansion of Brazil and the Western Hemisphere from Discovery to Independence. Learn about the historical facts that led to Brazil’s emergence from a continental archipelago. […]
Engraving of Fort Nassau in Pernambuco, 1671
Engraving of Fort Nassau in Pernambuco, 1671 Montanus’ work was perhaps the largest illustrated book on the New World produced in the 17th century. It contained more than one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depicted forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, […]
Map of South America and Brazil 1624 – Historical Map
Map of South America and Brazil, 1624 This engraving is part of a remarkable series of publications illustrating voyages of discovery and exploration in different parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. Together […]
Map of the Captaincy of Pernambuco and Ceará from 1680
Map of the Captaincies of Pernambuco and Ceará from 1680 This rare map of the captaincies of Ceará and Pernambuco stretches from the Formosa River to the Estremo River, with the São Francisco River at its centre. Much of the information is derived from maps drawn for the Dutch West […]
Engraving of Vila de Olinda in 1671 – Historical Engraving
Engraving of Olinda, 1671 These splendid views illustrate the Dutch attack on the Portuguese town of Olinda in 1630. For most of the 17th century, Portugal and the Netherlands had a trade agreement whereby the Portuguese colonies in the New World produced sugar and the Dutch distributed it throughout Europe […]
Map of Recife of 1764 – Historical Map
Map of Recife – Brazil – circa 1764 – Publication: Le Petit Atlas Maritime… Volume 2 No. 50 “Plan de Fernambouc a la Coste de Bresil”, Bellin, Jacques Nicolas This fine chart shows the area around Recife (Pernambuco) extending northwards to Olinda. Depth soundings, anchorages and rocks are shown, together […]
1679 Map of Recife – Historical Map
Map of Recife from 1679 A rare aerial map of the city of Recife and its surroundings, showing the Dutch fortifications. Although originally founded by the Portuguese, the Dutch decided to invade several cities in Pernambuco because of the local sugar cane industry. From 1630 to 1654, the Dutch controlled […]
Engraving of the town of Olinda in 1633 – Historical Engraving
Engraving of the town of Olinda, 1633 This is a rare and fascinating aerial view of Olinda and the coast of Pernambuco, based on the work of Hessel Gerritsz, who is credited in the title. It illustrates the attack and capture of the Portuguese settlement of Olinda by a Dutch […]
Map of the Bay of All Saints and Pernambuco, 1700
Map of Baia de Todos os Santos and Pernambuco from 1700 This beautiful decorative map of Brazil is oriented with north to the right. Two insets show Dutch interests in the area (Baia de Todos os Santos and Pernambuco). The interior is largely devoid of geographical information, instead depicting scenes […]
1587 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1587 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on the future cartography of the New World. It was engraved by Frans Hogenberg and is based largely on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of […]
1628 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1628 Jodocus Hondius’ map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate examples of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations, including sea monsters, native birds, native canoes and sailing ships, were taken from De Bry’s Grand Voyages. Particularly noteworthy is the scene of the natives […]
1643 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere 1643 This impressive carte-a-figure map is an excellent example of the fine art of decorative cartography and a 17th century European view of the New World. The coastal contours generally follow Ortelius and Wytfliet, with the nomenclature of various explorers and settlers. The side panels, […]
1677 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1677 Visscher’s map greatly influenced the cartography of the Americas, both geographically and artistically. One of the most striking geographical details copied by other cartographers is the large open lake in the Great Lakes region. In fact, Visscher copied this from Blaeu’s wall map mundi […]
1727 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1727 This beautiful map of the Americas is an interesting version of the map series inspired by Nicolas Visscher in 1658. This map was first published by Justus Danckerts around 1696, but the plate was sold by the family to Reiner and Josua Ottens after […]
1628 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1628 Jodocus Hondius’ map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate examples of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations, including sea monsters, native birds, native canoes and sailing ships, were taken from De Bry’s Grand Voyages. Particularly noteworthy is the scene of the natives […]
1713 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
1713 Map of the Western Hemisphere A highly decorative and detailed map of the Americas, with the island of California prominently featured in the second Sanson model, with a heavily indented northern coast. The British colonies are limited to the east coast by Les Cinq Nationals Iroquoises, while the French […]
1609 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1609 Jodocus Hondius’ map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate examples of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations, including sea monsters, native birds, native canoes and sailing ships, were taken from De Bry’s Grand Voyages. Particularly noteworthy is the scene of the natives […]
1714 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1714 Van der Aa’s unusual map of America was first published in 1714 and contains interesting geographical myths. In North America, California is shown as an island at the beginning of the Sanson shape, with an almost flat top starting at C. Mendocina. New Albion […]
1550 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1550 Sebastian Munster (1489 – 1552) was one of the three most famous cartographers of the 16th century, along with Mercator and Ortelius. Munster’s Geographia and Cosmographia Universalis were two of the most widely read and influential books of the time. His editions of Ptolemy’s […]
1660 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
1660 Map of the Western Hemisphere An unusual and splendid figurative map of the Americas. The map combines many different sources, including Luke Foxe’s model of the island of California. The only hint of the Great Lakes is a small L. Content at the end of the St Lawrence River. […]
1587 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1587 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on the future cartography of the New World. It was engraved by Frans Hogenberg and is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of […]
1631 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1631 This is the unusual and larger version of Merian’s map of the Americas. Merian’s bold engraving style copies the cartography of Jodocus Hondius’ 1631 map. North America is depicted with a prominent Virginia and an odd New England coastline. The west coast above California […]
1744 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1744 This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with […]
1719 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1719 This spectacular wall map is richly engraved in the tradition of Dutch cartography. Although the main focus of the map is the Americas, it also covers the entire Pacific, including the East Indies and Japan, and the entire Atlantic, including much of Western Europe […]
1730 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1730 This attractive map is a revision of old Homann’s 1710 map of America. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the west coast of North America, which here extends far to the west and north, with […]
1697 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
1697 Map of the Western Hemisphere This sumptuous map of the Americas features a dramatically decorative title cartouche depicting an Amazon queen surrounded by riches, a sugar cane field and exotic animals. Inserted in the cartouche is a small map of the coast of New Zealand. The cartography of North […]
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere 1579 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on future cartography of the New World. The map is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of 1569. The most recognisable features of […]
Map of Brazil 1747 – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Brazil from 1747 Copper engraved map with good detail along the coast with dozens of place names. The map covers the region between northern Paraguay and north to the mouth of the Amazon. A large inset of the island of Santa Catarina fills the empty ocean. In a […]
1592 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1592 This engraving is part of a remarkable series of publications illustrating voyages of discovery and exploration in different parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. Together they […]
1623 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1659 This is a very rare derivative of the important Hondius map of 1618. The engraver is unknown, although it is closely copied from Picart’s version of 1644, which in turn was derived from Jansson’s map of 1623. North America retains the peninsula of California, […]
1581 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere of 1581 This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on future cartography of the New World. The map is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of 1569. The most recognisable features […]
1659 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1659 This is a very rare derivative of the important Hondius map of 1618. The engraver is unknown, although it is a close copy of Picart’s version of 1644, which in turn was derived from Jansson’s map of 1623. North America retains the peninsula of […]
Map of the Brazilian Coast from 1678 – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of the Coast of Brazil from 1678 This splendid map of Brazil is mainly a nautical chart with details limited to the coastline. Oriented with north to the left by two fine points of the compass, it covers the Brazilian coast from the mouth of the Amazon to the […]
Map of eastern Brazil 1664 – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Eastern Brazil 1664 This beautiful map of the Brazilian coast is richly decorated with a scene of natives with a watchtower and a huge fleet of ships. With north to the right, the map covers the coastal region from São Francisco to Recife. It was based on real […]
Map of South America from 1750 – Historical Maps of Brazil
Map of South America from 1750 Beautifully engraved Italian edition of Delisle’s map of South America, extending from Nicaragua to Tierra del Fuego. The place names of South America are mainly concentrated on the coasts and along the Amazon and Paraná rivers. There are also two mythical lakes: Lake Cassipa […]
Map of Brazil 1698 – Historical Maps of Brazil
Map of Brazil from 1698 This magnificent map of Brazil, including parts of neighbouring countries, was one of 23 maps in this rare account of the Portuguese-Dutch colonial war. Written by João José de Santa Teresa, known to bibliophiles as Saint Teresa, it is considered one of the most sumptuous […]
Map of Brazil from 1750 – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Brazil from 1750 This is a beautiful Italian map of Brazil based on Delisle’s cartography. There is very good detail along the coast and a good amount of information about the interior with numerous annotations and locations of indigenous tribes. The map is decorated with a large pictorial […]
1639 Map of Paraíba – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Paraíba from 1639 A splendid map of the Paraíba region and the defensive forts at the mouth of the Paraíba River. The map illustrates the Dutch invasion of Portuguese territory, showing the Dutch fleet filling the river and the defending armies marching along the roads. A large and […]
Map of Brazil divided into fourteen hereditary captainships from 1657 onwards
Map of Brazil divided into fourteen hereditary captaincies from 1657 onwards “Le Bresil, dont la Coste est Possedee par les Portugais, et Divisee en Quatorze Capitaineries…”, Sanson, Nicolas Map of Brazil divided into fourteen hereditary captaincies, 1657 – This is a reduced version of Sanson’s important map showing the Portuguese […]
Map of the Captaincy of Paraíba and Rio Grande, 1720
Map of the Captaincy of Paraíba and Rio Grande from 1720 Excellent map of the Brazilian coast, including the captaincies of Paraíba and Rio Grande. The map was drawn after real research by Georg Markgraf, Elias Herckmanns and others and was one of the first maps of Brazil based on […]
Map of All Saints Bay 1769 – Historical Maps
Map of the Bay of All Saints, 1769 This map is a boldly engraved graphic of the Bay of Salvador (Bahia) with an inset plan of the fortified city of Salvador. Navigational soundings and shoals are shown in the bay. Numerous plantations and sugar mills are marked with symbols along […]
All Saints Bay Map of 1644 – Historical Map
Map of the Bay of All Saints, 1644 This rare map of Salvador and the Bay of All Saints shows the Dutch attack and capture of the city of Salvador in May 1624. Salvador, then the capital of Brazil, was a strategic port under Portuguese control. The Dutch, determined to […]
Engraving of Cabo Santo Agostinho from 1645 – Historical Engravings
Engraving of Cape St. Augustin from 1645 This beautiful panoramic view shows the Dutch fleet and the fortifications of Cape St. Augustin. Published by Gregorio Letie, this scene was copied from an earlier publication dating from around 1640. It’s interesting to note that the image was inverted during the engraving […]
Engraving of Sirinhaém from 1671
Engraving of Sirinhaém, 1671 Montanus’ work was perhaps the largest illustrated book on the New World produced in the 17th century. It contained more than one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depicted forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites […]
Engraving of Salvador de Bahia from 1770 – Historical Maps
Copper engraving of Salvador de Bahia, 1770 Salvador, the former capital of Brazil, was a strategic port under Portuguese control. This beautiful engraving shows the walled city of Salvador with ships and boats filling the harbour in the foreground. A key of letters at the bottom identifies various locations. This […]
Map of the Brazilian coast from the Paraíba River to Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Map of the Brazilian coast from Rio Paraíba to Cabo de Santo Agostinho, 1683 “Pas-Kaart, van de Zee-Kusten, van, Brazilia, Tusschen, Punto de Lucena en Cabo S. Augustino”, Keulen, Johannes van This rare and classic sea chart covers the Brazilian coast from the river Paraíba to Cape St. Augustino. Augustino. […]
1757 Map of the Western Hemisphere
1757 Map of the Western Hemisphere This beautiful map of the Americas includes the Solomon Islands. In North America, the Pacific Northwest is left open, completely blank and marked Undiscovered Parts. The coastline ends near Alaska with the note The Alleged Strait of Annian. The British colonies are shown east […]
Map of Brazil from 1850 – Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Brazil from 1850 The maps in The Illustrated Atlas were first published in serial form for an audience isolated by the cost and difficulty of travel. All this changed as the 19th century brought rapid and dramatic changes in public awareness of distant places. Tallis’s maps undoubtedly played […]
Map of the East Coast of Brazil, 1647 – Historical Maps
Map of the East Coast of Brazil from 1647 This beautiful map of the Brazilian coast is decorated at the top with a huge garland of native fruits and a jaguar, tapir and capybara. With north to the right, the map covers the coastal region from São Francisco south to […]
Map of Brazil from 1554
Map of Brazil from 1554 – Delle Navigationi Et Viaggi One of the Earliest Obtainable Maps of Brazil from the First Block “Brasil”, Ramusio, Giovanni Battista EThis fascinating pictorial map is one of the earliest obtainable regional maps of Brazil. Illustrated with north to the right, the map is filled with […]
Map of Brazil from 1747
Map of Brazil from 1747 – A Complete System of Geography… “A New & Accurate Map of Brasil. Divided into its Captainships Drawn from the Most Approved Modern Maps & Charts…”, Bowen, Emanuel Copper engraved map with good detail along the coastal areas with scores of place names. The map covers the […]
Map of Cabo Santo Agostinho from 1645
Map of Cabo Santo Agostinho from 1645 This beautiful copper engraved map shows the port and fortresses of Cabo Santo Agostinho. Fort Nazaré is shown on top of a hill to the right. Adorned with a compass orienting north to the top right corner of the map and a title […]
Engraving of Itamaraca Island from 1671 – Brazil
Engraving of Itamaraca Island from 1671 – Brazil – De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld “I. Tamaraca”, Montanus, Arnoldus Montanus’ work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. […]
Engraving of the Forte dos Reis Magos in Natal from 1671
Engraving of the Forte dos Reis Magos in Natal from 1671 – De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld “Fluvius Grandis”, Montanus, Arnoldus Montanus’ work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and […]
Engraving of the Reis Magos Fort from 1690
Engraving of the Reis Magos Fort from 1690 – Natal “Veroveringe van Rio Grande in Brasil. Anno 1633”, Leti, Gregorio A bird’s-eye view of the fort (present-day Natal) at the mouth of the Rio Potengi showing the Dutch invasion and capture of the Portuguese fort in 1633. The harbor is filled […]
Engraving of the Baia de Todos os Santos from 1690
Engraving of the Baia de Todos os Santos from 1690 – Teatro Belgico “T’Neemen van de Suyker Prysen inde Bay de Tode los Santos Anno 1627”, Leti, Gregorio Nice copper engraving illustrating the Dutch fleet capturing the fort at the entrance to the Baia de Todos os Santos, in northeastern Brazil. The […]
Map of Cabo de Santo Agostinho from 1690
Map of Cabo de Santo Agostinho from 1690 “Albeeldinge vande Cabo St. Augustin Met haer Forten”, Anon. This fine bird’s-eye view portrays the Dutch fleet and the fortresses at Cabo Santo Agostinho. Published by Gregorio Letie. Map of Cabo de Santo Agostinho from 1690 – Historical Map
Map of Paraíba from 1690
Map of Paraíba from 1690 “Afbeeldinghe van Pariba ende Forten”, Anon. This bird’s-eye map shows the region of Paraiba and Portuguese fortifications at the mouth of the River Paraiba. The scene of the Dutch attack on the region is illustrated with the Dutch fleet and the defending Portuguese armies. Published […]
Map of Brazil from 1630
Map of Brazil from 1630 – Nieuwe Wereldt ofte Beschrijvinghe “Provincia de Brasil cum Adiacentibus Provinciis”, Gerritsz/De Laet This fine map was a collaborative effort between Hessel Gerritsz, the official cartographer to the Dutch East India Company, and Johannes de Laet, the director of the newly formed Dutch West India […]
Map of Brazil from 1652
Map of Brazil from 1652 – Nouvel Atlas “Accuratissima Brasiliae Tabula”, Hondius/Jansson Magnificent depiction of Brazil with north oriented to the right by a handsome compass rose. The map is inset with two regions of Dutch interest in the area; Baja de Todos los Sanctos and Pernambuco. The interior is bereft […]
Engraving of Salvador de Bahia from 1671
Engraving of Salvador de Bahia from 1671 – De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld “Urbs Salvador”, Montanus, Arnoldus Montanus’ work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The […]
Engraving of the Baia de Todos os Santos from 1671 – Brazil
Engraving of the Baia de Todos os Santos from 1671 – Brazil – De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld “Sinus Omnium Sanctoru”, Montanus, Arnoldus Montanus’ work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of […]
Map of Brazil from 1757
Map of Brazil from 1757 – L’Histoire Generale des Voyages… “[Lot of 2] Suite du Bresil Depuis la Baye de Tous les Saints Jusqu’a St. Paul [and] Suite du Bresil pour Servir a l’Histoire Generale des Voyages”, Bellin, Jacques Nicolas This pair of copper engraved maps covers the coastline of Brazil […]
Map of Brazil from 1850
Map of Brazil from 1850 – Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World “Brazil”, Tallis, John The maps from The Illustrated Atlas were first published in serial form to a target audience that led insular lives due to the expense and hardship of travel. All that changed as the progress of […]
Map of South America from 1740
Map of South America from 1740 – Atlante Novissimo… “Carta Geografica della America Meridionale”, Albrizzi, Girolamo Beautifully engraved, Italian edition of Delisle’s map of South America, extending from Nicaragua to Tierra del Fuego. Place names in South America are focused primarily along the coasts and along the Amazon and Parana Rivers. Two […]
Map of South America from 1619
Map of South America from 1619 – Mercator’s Atlas “America Meridionalis”, Hondius, Jodocus Superb folio map of the continent that was added by Jodocus Hondius for publication in his continuation of the Mercator Atlas. The interior features the large mythical Parime Lacus straddling the equator and an equally interesting river system. The […]
Map of South America from 1615
Map of South America from 1615 – Mercator’s Atlas “America Meridionalis”, Hondius, Jodocus Superb folio map of the continent that was added by Jodocus Hondius for publication in his continuation of the Mercator Atlas. The interior features the large mythical Parime Lacus straddling the equator and an equally interesting river system. The […]
Map of Recife in Pernambuco from 1679 Brazil
Map of Recife in Pernambuco from 1679 “Mauritiopolis Reciffa, et Circumiacentia Castra”, Merian, Matthaus A rare bird’s-eye plan of the city of Recife and environs with emphasis on the Dutch fortifications. Although first founded by the Portuguese, the Dutch decided to invade several cities in Pernambuco due to the local sugarcane […]
Map of Salvador de Bahia from 1748
Map of Salvador de Bahia from 1748 – Navigantium atque Itinerantium… “The City of St. Salvador and its Harbor”, Harris, John This sheet contains two views of St. Salvador, the capital of colonial Brazil. At top is a bird’s-eye view showing the city’s fortifications and at bottom is a prospect view of […]
Map of Brazil from 1798
Map of Brazil from 1798 – Nuovo Atlante Geografico Universale “Il Brasile ed il Paese delle Amazzoni col Paraguai Delineati sulle Ultime Osservazioni”, Cassini, Giovanni Maria This is an uncommon Italian map of Brazil, Paraguay and Uraguay. It extends to include the vicinity of Buenos Aires. It provides a good amount […]
Map of the Province of Paraíba from 1698
Map of the Province of Paraíba from 1698 – Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile “Provincia di Paraiba”, Horatius, Andreas Antonius This striking map covers the province of Paraiba and illustrates its important rivers and prosperous sugar plantations. It was one of 23 maps from this rare account of the Dutch-Portuguese […]
Map of Brazil from 1695
Map of Brazil from 1695 “Nova et Accurata Brasiliae totius Tabula”, Blaeu/Schenk Este escasso e belo mapa é o terceiro mapa do Brasil de Johannes Blaeu. This scarce, beautiful map is Johannes Blaeu’s third map of Brazil. Designed by Joannes de Broen and engraved by Abraham Wolfgang, it was completed shortly […]
Map of South America from 1840
Map of South America from 1840 – A New General Atlas “Colombia Prima or South America”, Wyld, James This striking large map is drawn from Louis Stanislas D’Arcy Delarochette’s monumental eight sheet map of South America, which was used to settle numerous border disputes throughout the continent. It incorporates the most up-to-date […]
Map of Paraíba from 1662
Map of Paraíba from 1662 – Atlas Maior “Praefecturae de Paraiba, et Rio Grande”, Blaeu, Johannes Superb map of the Brazilian coastline including the capitanias of Paraiba and Rio Grande. The map was drawn after actual surveys by Georg Markgraf, Elias Herckmanns and others, and was among the first maps of Brazil […]
The urban landscape of Rio de Janeiro in 1840
The urban landscape of Rio de Janeiro in 1840 This is a handsome view of the city and harbor of Rio de Janeiro drawn by E. Duncan and engraved by R.A. Prior.
Map of the Captaincy of Espirito Santo and Porto Seguro from 1698
Map of the Captaincy of Espirito Santo and Porto Seguro from 1698 – Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile “Provincie Dello Spirito Santo e di Porto Sicuro”, Horatius, Andreas Antonius This striking map covers the coast from Rio de Janeiro to approximately Ilheus. It was one of 23 maps from this […]
Map of South America from 1650
Map of South America from 1650 “Amerique Meridionale”, Sanson/Mariette This attractive map presents the continent with Sanson’s characteristic attention to detail. The relatively unknown Amazon region is left with little speculation. The mythical Lac de Parime still appears with the legendary Manoa del Dora (city of gold) on its western shore; […]
Map of the Captaincy of Pernambuco from 1698
Map of the Captaincy of Pernambuco from 1698 – Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile “Provincia di Pernambuco”, Horatius, Andreas Antonius This superb map of the Brazilian province of Pernambuco was one of 23 maps from this rare account of the Dutch-Portuguese colonial war. Written by Joao José de Santa Teresa, […]
Map of Santa Catarina Island from 1777
Map of Santa Catarina Island from 1777 “Plano de la Isla y Puerto de Santa Catalina situado en la America Meridional”, Lopez, D. Tomas This is a rare Spanish map of Santa Catalina island, now the city of Florianopolis and an important tourist destination. The pristine island is shown here with […]