Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

A map of New Netherlands (Nova Belgica) and New England (Anglia Nova) from Penobscot Bay to the Chesapeake Bay, by Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu, was based on Adriaen Block's 1614 chart of the region.

Blaeu's circa 1635 map captured the allure of the "new world" for competing European powers (note references to New France, New England and New Netherlands). The wonders of the mythic "Norumbega" (mentioned at the lower right, along the Penobscot River) are depicted in the rich natural setting. The presence of animal illustrations, like moose, deer, bear, beaver, fox, otter, turkey, hare and egret, demonstrate the significance of natural resources to the European market, especially the fur trade.

This map's orientation to the west is confusing; only later in the 18th century would mapmakers adopt the convention of orienting to the north.

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About This Item

• Title: Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova, ca. 1635
• Creator: W. J. Blaeu
• Creation Date: circa 1635
• Subject Date: circa 1635
• Location: USA
• Media: Map, ink on paper
• Dimensions: 48 cm x 60 cm
• Local Code: Map F 498
• Object Type: Text and Image

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Maine--Maps, Manuscript--Early works to 1800--17th century
• New England, Maps, Manuscript--Early works to 1800--17th century

People

• Blaeu, Willem Janszoon

Other Keywords

• discovery
• early maps
• exploration
• flora and fauna

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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