Classic Maps & Prints - We are a small business who specialise in producing exceptional quality reproduction maps & prints from centuries past. in our studio we digitally clean these masterpieces in order to remove blemishes & certain signs of ageing but strive keep the look, feel & integrity of the original. All of our prints are produced on a high-end Canon Large Format printer which uses 12 inks to give the best colour reproduction & excellent print clarity in a range of popular frame-ready formats. We use Museum grade archival matt heavyweight paper 230gsm & original manufacturers pigment inks to produce prints that will last for many decades. We pride ourselves on our friendly, helpful service & you are always welcome to ask any about questions & special requirements that you may have about our products. Description This exceptional decorative world map was created by famed cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu. Willem was a central member of the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography & this map is held to be one of the finest of its kind. This seventeenth century masterpiece uses Mercator's projection as evidenced by the regular grid of latitude & longitude lines. The map is bordered by a collection of charming vignettes. The upper border has representations of the five then known planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn & of the Moon & Sun. The right hand panel has the four seasons. The lower has illustrations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Colossus of Rhodes, Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, & Lighthouse of Alexandria. Concluding, the left hand side has depictions of the four elements - Earth, Fire, Water & Air. The map is entitled A New Geographical & Hydrographic Map Of The Whole Earth which shows the extent of the earth that had been discovered by the seventeenth century. A little poetic license is added by the inclusion of a variety of sea monsters! This is a very charming map that is easy on the eye. This is a highly sought-after work & is sure to form an interesting conversation piece to any living room. This piece looks stunning mounted as shown in our 20 x 16 framed edition. Formats available This piece is available in 30x24, 20x16 & 16x12 formats. We also have a framed 20x16 version which is framed in a high quality classic black & gold frame which truly accentuates this superb work. The frames use a super-clear Perspex frontage which provides less reflection than glass & is safer for delivery purposes. The framed prints look stunning & are an ideal present for either yourself or a loved one. Packaging & Despatch: - We aim to despatched all orders within 2 working days although often sooner FREE Standard UK delivery: All prints are sent in a sturdy carboard tube by Royal Mail Tracked 48 Our framed prints are sent Parcelforce Express48 secured in bubble-wrap & enclosed in our custom made boxes Express