Rare Old Map of Duchy of Silesia by Visscher, 1690: Wroclaw, Prague, Kraków, Poznań, Dresden

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Duchy of Silesia with this exquisite map, meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, whose full name 'Silesiae Ducatus Accurata et vera delineatio' translates to 'Accurate and true depiction of the Duchy of Silesia', provides a captivating glimpse into the region's political divisions during the late 17th century. Visscher, a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, has intricately detailed the various regions within the Duchy, offering a unique perspective on the historical landscape of what is now modern-day Poland and the Czech Republic.

The map showcases several significant cities, each with its own story and historical significance. Wroclaw, known as Breslau in the German language, was the historical capital of Silesia and is beautifully represented. Prague, the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, is another notable city featured on the map. It's fascinating to observe these cities as they were perceived in the 17th century, providing a historical lens through which to view their evolution.

Kraków, Poznań, and Dresden also hold prominent positions on the map. Kraków, the royal capital of Poland until the end of the 16th century, is depicted with great detail. Poznań, one of the oldest cities in Poland, and Dresden, the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany, further enrich the map's historical narrative. Each city's depiction is a testament to Visscher's meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to accurately representing the political and geographical landscape of the time.

The map is more than just a geographical representation; it's a historical document that encapsulates the political and territorial intricacies of the Duchy of Silesia in the 17th century. It provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of this region, exploring the cities, landmarks, and borders that have shaped its identity. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old maps, this piece by Visscher is a treasure that offers a wealth of exploration and discovery.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Silesia

• Wroclaw (Breslau): The historical capital of Silesia, it was an important center of trade and culture in the region.
• Opole: Known as Oppeln in German, it was a significant cultural and economic center.
• Glogow (Glogau): An important fortress city, it was a major center of trade due to its location on the Oder River.
• Legnica (Liegnitz): Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, it was a significant cultural center.
• Zgorzelec (Görlitz): Located on the Lusatian Neisse River, it was an important trade city.
• Swidnica (Schweidnitz): Known for its rich history and cultural significance.
• Klodzko (Glatz): An important fortress city in the region.
• Jelenia Gora (Hirschberg): Known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history.
• Walbrzych (Waldenburg): Known for its coal mining industry.
• Nysa (Neisse): An important cultural and educational center.
• Brzeg (Brieg): Known for its Renaissance castle and rich history.
• Olesnica (Oels): Known for its beautiful castle and cultural significance.
• Raciborz (Ratibor): Known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
• Cieszyn (Teschen): Known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history.
• Bytom (Beuthen): Known for its rich history and cultural significance.

Notable boundaries and natural phenomena:

• Oder River: A major waterway in Central Europe, it's now a popular spot for river cruises.
• Sudetes Mountains: A significant mountain range, it's now a popular spot for hiking and skiing.
• Elbe River: Another major waterway, it's now a popular spot for river cruises.
• Krkonose National Park: Located in the Sudetes Mountains, it's now a popular tourist attraction.
• Bialowieza Forest: A large ancient woodland, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Notable historical events:

• Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): A major conflict in the region, it had significant impacts on the political and social landscape.
• The Deluge (1655-1660): A series of invasions and wars in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
• Treaty of Nijmegen (1678-1679): Ended various interconnected wars among France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Brandenburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Prince-Bishopric of Münster, and the Holy Roman Empire.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.