Johannes Janssonius was born into a family of

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Fair – repairs, vertical crease

Confirmed: No

Description: Johannes Janssonius was born into a family of publishers and booksellers, gaining expertise in book printing from a young age. In 1612, he married Elisabeth Hondius, the daughter of the renowned mapmaker Jodocus Hondius I (View Record (#80), View Record (#212), View Record (#253), View Record (#272)) and his wife, Colette (View Record (#113)). Six years later, Janssonius established his own cartographic shop next door to his competitor, Willem Blaeu (View Record (#9), View Record (#76), View Record (#108), View Record (#121), View Record (#351), View Record (#358)). In 1630, Janssonius partnered with his brother-in-law, Henricus Hondius (View Record (#18), View Record (#82), View Record (#114), View Record (#123), View Record (#126), View Record (#378)) to release a supplement to the Mercator-Hondius Atlas titled Atlantis majoris appendix, sive pars altera, which gradually expanded over the years.nIn 1638, the atlas was renamed Atlas Novus and expanded to three volumes. The following year, a French edition, Nouveau théâtre du Monde ou nouvel atlas, was published, featuring a title page in Volume 2 (View Record (#303)) inspired by Willem Blaeu's 1630 design (View Record (#35)).nThe title page is striking example of symbolic artistry. At its centre stands a grand architectural structure, illuminated by divine light emanating from the four Hebrew letters of Gods name. This edifice is supported by two ornate Corinthian columns and adorned with allegorical figures representing various aspects of knowledge and the cosmos.nCrowning the composition is a large armillary sphere, symbolising the cosmic harmony governing celestial movements, complete with the ecliptic and zodiac signs. Flanking the sphere are Apollo, the god of the Sun, holding his lyre and sceptre, and Juno, whose milk was said to form the Milky Way. Surrounding them are personifications of the four elements: at the top, Air (holding a chameleon) and Fire (holding a rock and flint); below the sphere, Earth (depicted with fruit and flowers) and Water (with a pouring urn and a two-pronged fork). nBeside Earth and Water are two scholars masters of astronomy and geographyengaged in instruction. One demonstrates the workings of a celestial globe to a scribe, symbolising the diligent recording of knowledge for posterity. The other scholar uses a terrestrial globe and dividers to instruct a female student, who attentively records her learnings. Together, the scribe and the student embody the transmission of knowledge.nThe composition is framed by four female personifications of the continents, each bearing the wealth and attributes of their lands. Europe, on the right, is crowned and fully clothed, holding a sceptre. A cornucopia in her hand symbolises fertility, while an open book at her feet represents knowledge. Behind her is Asia, draped in silks and jewels, holding incense and a staff topped with a crescent moon, reflecting spirituality and trade. A camel behind her represents the trade routes traversing the continent.nOn the left are America and Africa, depicted in a semi-clothed states to reflect contemporary European perceptions of their cultural simplicity. America is barefoot, wearing a feather skirt and headdress, and equipped with a bow, arrows, and club, symbolising her connection to nature. Africa, wears a short tunic, holds a staff and balsam, and stands beside an elephant, an emblem of the ivory trade. nIn the upper niches of the structure, two figures represent Spanish South America: Peru and Mexico. One is seated on a caiman, holding a parasol and bow, while the other sits beside a wild animal, armed with bow and arrows. Together this titlepage emphasises the atlass ambition to encompass knowledge of the entire cosmos and the world.bow and arrows. Together this titlepage emphasises the atlass ambition to encompass knowledge of the entire cosmos and the world.

First published: Nouveau theatre du monde ou nouvel atlas… Vol. 2, Amsterdam: Johannes Janssonius, 1639

Image Size (cm): 39×23.5

Mapmaker: Janssonius, Johannes (1588-1664)

Notes: Purchase details

Other states: First edition (see View Record (#303))

Primary Category: Titlepage

Sheet size (cm): 42.5×27.5

Shirley ID #: 46 Courtiers and Cannibals

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1643, Later edition