Rare Old Map of Southern Russia by Visscher, 1690: Moscow, Yaroslavl, Vologda, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don

Step into the past with the 'Moscoviae, Pars Australis' map, an exquisite piece of cartography by Nicolaes Visscher II, dating back to 1690. This map, whose title translates to 'Southern Part of Muscovy' in English, offers a detailed view of Southern Russia, revealing not just the geography, but also the historical and political landscape of the time.

The map prominently features the city of Moscow, the political, economic, and cultural center of Russia, even in the 17th century. The intricate details of the city layout, with its roads and buildings, provide a glimpse into the heart of Russia during the time of the Tsars. The presence of Yaroslavl, an important historic city located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers, adds another layer of interest to this map.

Further exploration of the map reveals the city of Vologda, known for its rich history and the seat of the bishop of Vologda and Veliky Ustyug. Nizhny Novgorod, one of the largest cities in Russia, also finds a place on this map. It was a key trade center in the 17th century, located at the junction of the Volga and Oka rivers. The city of Rostov-on-Don, strategically located on the trade route from Central Asia to the Mediterranean, is also depicted, showcasing its importance in the historical context.

This map is not just a piece of art; it is a window into the past, offering insights into the political divisions and regions of Southern Russia during the late 17th century. It is a testament to the map-making skills of Nicolaes Visscher II, who belonged to the illustrious Visscher family of cartographers from the Dutch Golden Age. This map, with its detailed depiction of cities, landmarks, and regions, is sure to be a valuable addition to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Southern Russia

• Moscow: Known as the heart of Russia, it was the political, economic, and cultural center of the country during the 17th century.
• Yaroslavl: A historic city located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers.
• Vologda: A city rich in history, it was the seat of the bishop of Vologda and Veliky Ustyug.
• Nizhny Novgorod: One of the largest cities in Russia, it was a key trade center located at the junction of the Volga and Oka rivers.
• Rostov-on-Don: Strategically located on the trade route from Central Asia to the Mediterranean.
• Kazan: Known as the Third Capital of Russia, it was a major political center in the 17th century.
• Smolensk: A historic city that played a key role in Russia's defense against invasions.
• Tver: An ancient city, it was a rival to Moscow for control over Russia in the 14th century.
• Novgorod: Known as the Great Novgorod, it was one of the most important historic cities in Russia.
• Pskov: An ancient city, it played a major role in the formation of the Russian state.
• Ryazan: An old city known for its kremlin, it was a major cultural center in the 17th century.
• Oryol: Founded in 1566 as a fortress, it played a significant role in Russia's southern expansion.
• Tambov: Established in the 17th century as a fortress, it was a key outpost on Russia's southern frontier.
• Saratov: Founded in the late 16th century, it was a major trade center on the Volga River.
• Astrakhan: Known for its kremlin, it was a key center of trade and military power in Southern Russia.
• Voronezh: Founded in 1586 as a fortress, it played a key role in Russia's southern expansion.
• Kursk: An ancient city, it was a major cultural and economic center in the 17th century.
• Samara: Established in the 1586 as a fortress, it was a key outpost on Russia's eastern frontier.
• Ufa: Founded in 1574, it was a major center of trade and military power in Eastern Russia.
• Penza: Established in the 1663 as a fortress, it was a key outpost on Russia's southern frontier.
• Simbirsk (today's Ulyanovsk): Founded in 1648, it was a key center of trade on the Volga River.
• Orenburg: Established in the 1672 as a fortress, it was a key outpost on Russia's eastern frontier.
• Tula: An ancient city, it was a major center of arms production in the 17th century.
• Belgorod: Founded in 1596 as a fortress, it played a key role in Russia's southern expansion.
• Kostroma: An ancient city, it was a major cultural and economic center in the 17th century.
• Kaluga: An old city known for its kremlin, it was a major cultural center in the 17th century.
• Lipetsk: Founded in 1703, it was a major center of iron production in the 18th century.
• Cheboksary: An ancient city, it was a major cultural and economic center in the 17th century.
• Kirov (formerly Vyatka): An ancient city, it was a major cultural and economic center in the 17th century.
• Ivanovo: Founded in the 1561 as a weaving sloboda, it was a major center of textile production in Russia.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Volga River: The longest river in Europe, it was a major trade route in the 17th century.
• Ural Mountains: A mountain range that forms part of the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia.
• Lake Baikal: The deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
• Caucasus Mountains: A mountain system in West Asia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
• Black Sea: An inland sea located between Southeastern Europe and the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• Time of Troubles (1598-1613): A period of political crisis that resulted in the Polish–Muscovite War (1605–1618) and the Russian famine of 1601–1603.
• The Conquest of Siberia by Yermak Timofeyevich (1580-1585): This event marked the beginning of the Russian conquest of Siberia.
• The Treaty of Andrusovo (1667): This treaty ended the 13-year Russo-Polish War, and Russia gained control of Smolensk and the left-bank Ukraine.

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.