Ducato overo Territorio di Milano - J. Janssonius 1638

📜 Description
Engraved map depicting the Duchy or Territory of Milan, published in Amsterdam in 1638 within the Newer Atlas, Oder Weltbeschreibung by Hondius and Janssonius. The map represents the Lombard territories of Northern Italy according to a compositional structure consistent with the Dutch cartographic production of the 17th century. The graphic layout is distinguished by clarity and precision, with a detailed organization of the territory highlighting rivers, settlements, administrative boundaries, roads, and the principal territorial routes of the Milanese state. Contemporary hand coloring emphasizes the political divisions and enhances the readability of the composition. The engraved line, refined and analytical, provides an orderly interpretation of the landscape while maintaining a balance between documentary purpose and decorative elegance. Particularly notable is the decorative cartouche in the upper right section, framed by ornamental motifs typical of Dutch Baroque cartography. A representative example of 17th-century Dutch editorial production, the map belongs to the tradition of scientific and political cartography and stands as a significant testimony to the representation of the Duchy of Milan during the early modern period.

📚 Historical-Artistic Note
Hondius and Janssonius rank among the leading figures of 17th-century Dutch cartography, distinguished by the high quality of their engraving and the extensive circulation of their atlases throughout Europe. The map belongs to the Newer Atlas, Oder Weltbeschreibung, an important cartographic collection conceived as a systematic description of the known world. Works of this type, intended for a cultivated European audience, testify to the central role of the Netherlands in the development and dissemination of modern geographical knowledge during the 17th century.

🧾 Technical Details
Type: Engraved map
Author: Hondius / Janssonius
Engraver(s): —
Publisher: Hondius / Janssonius
Place: Amsterdam
Date: 1638
Material: Paper
Technique: Etching with contemporary hand coloring
Decoration: Cartographic composition with territorial subdivisions and decorative cartouche
Dimensions:
Sheet: 50.5 × 58 cm
Engraved area: 38.5 × 49 cm
Notes: From Newer Atlas, Oder Weltbeschreibung (...)

🔍 Condition Report
Sheet in excellent overall condition. No significant defects noted. Engraved surface well impressed and clearly legible. German text on verso.