Spain, Navarre (Navarra), Pamplona... W. Blaeu, 1635, Navarra Regnum

This decorative 17th century folio sized map of the Spanish region of Navarre is a fine example of the work of Willem Janszoon Blaeu. Oriented west, this map also includes sections of the Basque and Aragon Regions as well as southern France. Likely published around 1638, Blaeu’s map is a wonderful showcase of decorative cartography and Dutch illustration.

Placing the region of Navarre in the center, Blaeu shows the boundaries of other regions and kingdoms using dotted and/or colored lines. On the right hand side of the map is the city of Bayonne, an important French port city. Also pictured is the port of Donostia-San Sebastian in the Basque Region. In each of these regions are their respective coat of arms and above them all in the upper left corner is the Navarre coat of arms. Blaeu also depicts geographical features like forests and sprawling mountain ranges, which almost surround the entirety of the Navarre region.

The map features a colorful title cartouche in the lower left corner with Spaniards holding swords, rifles, and even a drum. The figures are rendered in rich blues, pinks, and green. To the right and flanked by friezes is a cartouche showing distance in Spanish miles. Using bright color and striking detail, Blaeu’s map is a beautiful work of regional mapmaking from the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.

Good condition. Original colours, clear printing. Side and bottom margins extended with old paper, corners redrawn in a very small area of the lower corners of the outer edge. Apart from that absolutely perfect. Quality for framing.

Image 41,5x50cm, sheet 47,5x54,5cm