Rare Old Map of Electorate of Brandenburg by Visscher, 1690: Berlin, Stralsund, Rostock, Szczecin, Magdeburg

This magnificent map, titled 'Electoratus Brandenburgi, Mekelenburgi, Et maximae Partis Pomeraniae novissima Tabula', is a testament to the cartographic mastery of Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age. Translated into English, the title reads 'The most recent map of the Electorate of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg, and the greater part of Pomerania'. This intricate piece of history offers a detailed view of the political and geographical landscape of the late 17th century, specifically focusing on the Electorate of Brandenburg, a significant historical region in modern-day Germany.

The map beautifully highlights five key cities: Berlin, Stralsund, Rostock, Szczecin, and Magdeburg. Each city, with its own rich history and cultural significance, is intricately depicted, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Visscher. Berlin, the bustling capital of Brandenburg, is prominently featured, while Stralsund and Rostock, two major Hanseatic cities of the time, are also showcased. Szczecin, a significant port city on the Oder River, and Magdeburg, a key medieval center of trade, complete the quintet of cities.

Beyond these cities, the map also provides an overview of the political divisions within the Electorate of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg, and the greater part of Pomerania. The borders and territories are clearly demarcated, offering a fascinating insight into the political climate of the era. This map serves as a window into the past, allowing the viewer to understand the complexities of regional politics during a time of great change and development in Europe.

Finally, this map is not just a representation of political boundaries and cities. It is a work of art that reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the Dutch Golden Age. The detailed etchings, the ornate cartouche, and the meticulous attention to detail all contribute to the map's aesthetic appeal. This map is more than just a geographical tool; it is a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the cartographic skills of Nicolaes Visscher II. This piece would make a splendid addition to any collection, or a thoughtful gift for any lover of history or cartography.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Electorate of Brandenburg

1. Berlin - Known as the capital of Brandenburg and today's Germany, it was a bustling city even in the 17th century.
2. Potsdam - A city known for its historical architecture and palaces.
3. Frankfurt (Oder) - A city on the Oder River, known for the Viadrina University, founded in 1506.
4. Cottbus - Known for its rich history in the textile industry.
5. Brandenburg an der Havel - A key medieval center of trade, known as the birthplace of the Brandenburg state.

Mecklenburg

1. Rostock - One of the major Hanseatic cities of the time.
2. Schwerin - Known for the Schwerin Castle, which is situated on an island in the city's main lake.
3. Wismar - A historic port and Hanseatic League town.
4. Güstrow - Known for the Güstrow Palace, a renaissance palace.
5. Stralsund - A significant city in the Hanseatic League.

Pomerania

1. Szczecin - A significant port city on the Oder River, known as Stettin in German.
2. Gdańsk - Known as Danzig in German, it was a major Baltic seaport and shipbuilding center.
3. Gdynia - A historic fishing village that has grown into a major seaport.
4. Słupsk - Known for its old town, with many renaissance buildings.
5. Koszalin - Known for its beautiful coastline and as a center for local administration.

In addition to these settlements, there are also notable boundaries and natural phenomena:

1. Oder River - A major river in Central Europe, it forms a large part of the western border of Poland.
2. Elbe River - One of the major rivers of Central Europe, it runs through several countries including Germany and the Czech Republic.
3. Harz National Park - Located within the Harz mountain range, it's known for its diverse flora and fauna.
4. Baltic Sea - A mediterranean sea of the Atlantic Ocean, it provides a crucial waterway for trade and travel.
5. Rügen Island - The largest island in Germany, known for its beaches and white chalk cliffs.

Notable historical events in this region between 1600 and 1690 include:

1. Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) - A devastating war that led to significant changes in the political landscape of Central Europe.
2. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) - The series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War, leading to a reshaping of political boundaries.
3. The Great Elector (1640-1688) - The reign of Frederick William, who transformed Brandenburg into a prosperous and influential state.

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.