A magnificent, exceptionally detailed seventeenth-century map of the western part of the Haderslev district in southern Jutland, Denmark, along with the neighbouring territories of Ribe (Ripen) and Løgumkloster (Lohmcloster). Surveyed by the distinguished cartographer Johannes Meyer (1606–1674), engraved by the brothers Matthias and Nikolaus Peters of Husum, and published by Joan Blaeu in his monumental Atlas Maior in 1662.

The map covers an extensive area of western Schleswig, extending from the North Sea coast and the islands of Sylt (Sild) and Rømø (Röm) eastwards across the marshlands, heathlands and agricultural districts of southern Jutland. Numerous villages, churches, farms, roads, rivers, forests and administrative boundaries are meticulously recorded, providing a remarkably detailed picture of the region's settlement patterns and landscape in the mid-seventeenth century.

Particularly striking is the representation of the North Frisian Wadden Sea, with its intricate network of tidal channels, sandbanks, shoals and islands. The islands of Sylt and Rømø are carefully delineated, while the surrounding waters contain numerous named sandbanks and navigational features. Two sailing vessels and a finely engraved compass rose enliven the maritime portion of the map.

The inland areas are represented with equal precision. The administrative districts (Herreder) are individually identified, and the numerous settlements, churches and roads provide an unusually comprehensive record of the historical geography of western Schleswig. Woodland, cultivated land and extensive heathlands are distinguished by carefully engraved topographical symbols.

The map is embellished with two magnificent decorative cartouches. In the upper left, the title is enclosed within an elaborate, brightly coloured cartouche decorated with shells, ribbons and fishing equipment, including a suspended fishing net and several fish. Immediately below is a detailed explanatory key to the symbols employed on the map.

In the lower right, a richly ornamented cartouche contains a Latin dedication by Johannes Meyer, surmounted by a crowned coat of arms and surrounded by elaborate scrollwork. Beneath it appears the signature of the engravers, Matthias and Nikolaus Peters, goldsmiths of Husum.

Johannes Meyer, also known as Johannes Mejer, was among the most accomplished regional cartographers of seventeenth-century northern Europe. Born in Husum, he undertook extensive surveys of Schleswig and Holstein, producing maps of remarkable accuracy and detail. His cartographic work formed the basis of Caspar Danckwerth's celebrated Newe Landesbeschreibung der zwey Hertzogthümer Schleswich und Holstein, published in 1652.

Joan Blaeu subsequently incorporated Meyer's regional maps into his prestigious Atlas Maior, one of the most ambitious and lavishly produced cartographic publications of the seventeenth century.

The Blaeus: Willem Janszoon, Cornelis & Joan

Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his son Joan Blaeu are the seventeenth century's most widely known cartographic publishers.

Willem Jansz. (also written Guilielmus Janssonius) = Willem Janszoon Blaeu was born in Uitgeest (Netherlands), near Alkmaar, in 1571. He studied mathematics under Tycho Brahe and learned the theory and practice of astronomical observations and the art of instrument- and globe-making.

In 1596, he came to Amsterdam, where he settled down as a globe-, instrument- and mapmaker. He published his first cartographic work (a globe) in 1599 and probably published his first printed map (a map of the Netherlands) in 1604. He specialised in maritime cartography, published the first edition of the pilot guide Het Licht der Zeevaert in 1608, and was appointed Hydrographer of the V.O.C. (United East India Company) in 1633. After publishing books, wall maps, globes, charts and pilot guides for thirty years, he brought out his first atlas, Atlas Appendix (1630). This was the beginning of the great tradition of atlas-making by the Blaeus.

In 1618, another mapmaker, bookseller and publisher, Johannes Janssonius, established himself in Amsterdam next door to Blaeu's shop. No wonder these two neighbours began accusing each other of copying and stealing their information and became fierce competitors who did not have a good word to say about each other. In about 1621 Willem Jansz. decided to end the confusion between his name and his competitor's and assumed his grandfather's nickname, 'blauwe Willem' ('blue Willem'), as the family name; after that, he called himself Willem Jansz. Blaeu.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu died in 1638, leaving his prospering business to his sons, Cornelis and Joan. We only know that Cornelis's name occurs in the prefaces of books and atlases until c. 1645.

Joan Blaeu, born in Amsterdam in 1596, became a partner in his father's book trade and printing business. 1638, he was appointed his father's successor in the Hydrographic Office of the V.O.C. His efforts culminated in the magnificent Atlas Major and the town books of the Netherlands and Italy – works unsurpassed in history and modern times, giving eternal fame to the name of the Blaeu's.

A fire ruined the business on February 23, 1672, and one year later, Dr. Joan Blaeu died. The fire and the director's passing caused the complete sale of the Blaeu House's stock. Five public auctions dispersed the remaining books, atlases, copperplates, globes, etc., among many other map dealers and publishers in Amsterdam. The majority was acquired by several booksellers acting in partnership.

In the succeeding years, the remaining printing department remained in the hands of the Blaeu family until 1695, when the printing house's inventory was sold at a public auction. That meant the end of the Blaeu family as a printing house of world renown.