22 Willem & Jan Blaeu - Map of Portugal showing the Kingdom of Algarve

Stunning example of Blaeu's map of Portugal oriented with west at the top of the page and identifying the semi-autonomous Kingdom of Algarve (outlined in pink). The interior of Portugal is densely populated with cities and towns, rivers, mountains and even some bridges.

The main cartographic source for this map is the work of Fernando Alvarez Secco, who produced a two-sheet map of Portugal in 1561. Secco's name is referred to in the title of the map.

Presented with a splendid title cartouche depicting two navigators using a cross-staff, an astrolabe, and a planisphere to make calculations, a reference to Portugal's achievements in maritime navigation and exploration. Depictions of sailing ships and of the Roman god Neptune riding a sea monster embellish the empty Atlantic Ocean.

In the top-left and top-right corners of the map are two coats of arms: the Kingdom of Algarve (established in 1249, dissolved 1910) is on the left and the Kingdom of Portugal (established in 1481 and still in use to this day).

Willem Blaeu (1571–1638) and his son Jan Blaeu (1596–1673) were Dutch cartographers and publishers known for their high-quality maps and atlases during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. Willem founded the Blaeu publishing house and gained fame for his precise and beautifully designed maps, including celestial and maritime charts. Jan Blaeu expanded his father’s work, publishing the monumental "Atlas Maior," one of the most detailed and lavishly illustrated atlases of the 17th century. Their maps were highly sought after and played a crucial role in European navigation and geography.