Rare Old Map of Wales by Jean Blaeu, 1645 - from the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Sive Atlas Novus

This is an exceedingly rare full colour map of Wales in 1645, created by master mapmaker Jean Blaeu from his workshop in Amsterdam and originally published in this Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Sive Atlas Novus.

Back in medieval times Latin was the language of maps, and Wallia was the medieval Latin name for 'Wales'. The map's full name, 'WALLIA PRINCIPATUS Vulgo WALES' means 'The principality of Wallia, commonly known as Wales'.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm), and 30x40 inches (76x102cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 37x50 inches (94x127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 20x16 inch (50x40cm) version of this map.

Please note the unframed 24x30 inch map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

Most of the place names are in recognisable English, however! By 1645, many of Wales' most well known towns and villages already exist. From Abergavenny to Hay, Caernarfon to Denbigh. Cardiff, Newport and Chepstow are all clearly visible along the south coast, as are all of the little villages on the west coast in Pembrokeshire.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for any proud Welshman or Welshwoman!

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.