Rare Old Map of Utrecht by Visscher, 1690: Amsterdam, Amersfoort, Hilversum, Zeist, Nieuwegein

Experience a journey through time with this remarkable old map of Utrecht, meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, whose full Latin name is 'Ultraiectini Dominii Tabula. Multo aliis auctior et correctior', translates to 'Map of the Utrecht Domain. Much more complete and correct than others'. This title is a testament to the map's detailed depiction of the region and the skill of its maker.

The map captures the essence of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented wealth and cultural growth in the Netherlands. It showcases a number of significant cities and landmarks, including Amsterdam, Amersfoort, Hilversum, Zeist, and Nieuwegein. Each location is rendered with remarkable precision, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that Visscher was renowned for.

Visscher's map provides a fascinating insight into the historical and political landscape of the time. It details the various regions and political divisions within the Utrecht domain, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of the era. This makes it not just a decorative piece, but also a valuable historical document that can offer a deeper understanding of the past.

The map also holds a wealth of information for those interested in natural phenomena. It accurately represents the geographical features of the region, from the winding rivers to the sprawling plains. This level of detail makes it a valuable resource for those interested in the natural history of the Netherlands, as well as a stunning piece of art.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Utrecht Region:

• Amsterdam: Known as the "Venice of the North", it was a major trading hub in the 17th century. Historical name: Amstelredamme.
• Amersfoort: Known for its well-preserved medieval city, it was a significant wool and textile producer. Historical name: Emeresfoort.
• Hilversum: Known for its rich history in farming and textile industry. Historical name: Hillfersum.
• Zeist: Famous for its 17th-century castle, Slot Zeist. Historical name: Seist.
• Nieuwegein: Known for its strategic location on the river Lek. Historical name: Nieuwe Gein.
• Utrecht: The city from which the region takes its name, it was a major religious center. Historical name: Traiectum.
• Woerden: An important military stronghold due to its location on the Old Rhine. Historical name: Laurum.
• Veenendaal: Known for its peat extraction industry. Historical name: Veenendaal.
• Soest: Known for its beautiful churches and rich farming history. Historical name: Zoys.
• Maarssen: A picturesque town on the river Vecht. Historical name: Marsna.
• Baarn: Known for its royal connections and beautiful palaces. Historical name: Barne.
• Bunschoten: A historic fishing and farming village. Historical name: Bonifatius-stede.
• Leusden: Known for its historic hamlets and farming communities. Historical name: Lisiduna.
• Rhenen: Known for its strategic location on the Rhine and its historic city center. Historical name: Renen.
• Wijk bij Duurstede: Known for its historic castle, Duurstede Castle. Historical name: Dorestad.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• Rhine River: A major European river that flows through the region.
• Lek River: A significant river that flows through Nieuwegein.
• Vecht River: A picturesque river that flows through Maarssen.
• Zuiderzee: A historic, shallow bay of the North Sea.
• Utrecht Hill Ridge: A ridge of low sandhills that covers a part of the province.

Historical Events:

• Treaty of Utrecht (1579): A treaty that established the independence of the northern provinces of the Netherlands.
• Battle of Amersfoort (1623): A significant battle during the Dutch Revolt.
• Siege of Grol (1627): A major event during the Eighty Years' War.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

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

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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