This handsome map of the German province of Hanover was drawn by Joannes Gigas (Gigante) for Jodocus Hondius shortly before his death. This plate was among the 39 Hondius copper plates that were purchased by Willem Blaeu in 1629. He replaced Hondius' imprint with his own and published them as part of his first atlas. It is centered on Osnabruck at center and the large strapwork title cartouche incorporates a fine view of the city with its many steeples dominating the sky-line, attended by a finely attired surveyor. At lower right is an inset of Reckenberg. Further embellished with a coat of arms, small provincial armorials and a smaller cartouche. German text on verso, published between 1641-70.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #2340:2.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with full contemporary color on a bright sheet with a few light dampstains in the top margin. Remargined at bottom with period-correct paper that partially obscures the bottom border.