Replica 1662 Dutch sea chart of The Lesser Antilles or 'Canibales Insulae', centred on a compass rose with north at the right, showing from eastern Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to Trinidad and the Venezuelan coast. The title - Islands of the Cannibals - is certainly evocative. It illustrates the European impression of the mysterious islands of the New World resulting from many explorer's accounts of the savage Caribbean warriors who devoured their prisoners.

This map originally appeared in the Americas volume of Blaeu's final atlas, the 'Atlas Major'. The Amsterdam based Blaeu clan represents the single most important family in the history of cartography. The firm was founded in 1596 by Willem Janzoon Blaeu (1571-1638). It was in this initial period, from 1596 to 1672, under the leadership of the Willem Blaeu and with this assistance of his two talented sons Cornelius (1616-1648) and Johannis (1596-1673), that the firm was most active.

Printed on period correct linen and cotton blend laid paper.

420 x 530mm in size