Belsia, vulgo la Beausse.

Title

Belsia, vulgo la Beausse.

Description

Map shows the region of Centre with the cities of Paris, Orléans, Patté, Chartres, Vendosme and Blois. Verso with German text.

ca. 1640

Artist

Blaeu (1571-1638)

Joan Guilliemus Blaeu was the eldest son of Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638), and was probably born in Alkmaar in the province of Noord-Holland in the final years of the 16th century. He was brought up in Amsterdam, and studied law at the University of Leiden before going into partnership with his father in the 1630s. Although his father Willem had cartographic interests, having studied under the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe and having manufactured globes and instruments, his primary business was as a printer. It was under the control of Joan that the Blaeu printing press achieved lasting fame by moving towards the printing of maps and expanding to become the largest printing press in Europe in the 17th century. By the 1660s the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (or Atlas Maior as it had became known by this time) had expanded to between 9 and 12 volumes, depending on the language. With over 3,000 text pages and approximately 600 maps, it was the most expensive book money could buy in the later 17th century. The translation of the text from Latin into Dutch, English, German, French, and Spanish for several volumes created enormous work for those involved in typography and letterpress activities. It is estimated that over 80 men must have been employed full-time in the Blaeu printing house in Bloemgracht, not including engravers who worked elsewhere, with over 15 printing presses running simultaneously, and in 1667 a second press was acquired at Gravenstraat. At the same time as producing the Atlas Maior, Blaeu was also publishing town plans of Italy, maps for globes, and other volumes. At its peak the Blaeu press managed to produce over 1 million impressions from 1,000 copper plates within four years.

Historical Description

Centre (today called Centre-Val de Loire) is a historical region in the center of France along the Loire River. It consists of several departments, including Loiret, Indre-et-Loire, and Cher, and is especially known for its numerous castles. In the Middle Ages, the region played an important role in French history. The city of Orléans became famous during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1429, the French national heroine Joan of Arc succeeded in freeing the city from the English siege. During the Renaissance, the Loire Valley became a center of culture and royal power. French kings built many magnificent castles there, including the famous Château de Chambord. Because of this, the region is often called the “Garden of France.” Today, Centre-Val de Loire is particularly known for its historic cities, its castles, and the cultural landscape of the Loire Valley.