Johannes Janssonius, “Polus Arcticus: North Pole”, 1651

Johannes Janssonius (also known as Joannes Jansonius, Jan Jansson, and Jan Jansz) (1588–1664) or an engraver from his circle
“Polus Arcticus: North Pole”, 1651

This map features a decorative cartouche located at the upper right corner with the inscription “Septentrio Nalium Terrarum descript.” (“The Northern Lands described”). This inscription serves as the key to understanding the map, which depicts the Arctic region as it was known in the mid-1600s.

Notably, the map includes the mythical “Anian Fretum” (Straits of Anian) on the far right—a legendary strait believed to separate Asia and North America.

The map also reflects the common geographical understanding of its time: the North Pole is depicted as a central point surrounded by a vast landmass. This landmass is segmented into the following regions:

• “AME RICAE PARS” (North America) at the upper centre
• “GRON LANDT” (Greenland) on the left
• “ASIÆ PARS” (Asia) in the lower right
• “OCEANUS TARTARICUS” (Tartarian Ocean) to the right

Technical Details & Condition:

Engraved on fine laid paper with small margins and Latin letterpress text verso. Published in Amsterdam by Johannes Janssonius on page 23 of “Atlas Minor”—a smaller, more manageable format version of Gerard Mercator's atlas.

This is a strong and well-printed lifetime impression, showing no sign of wear to the printing plate. The sheet is in near-pristine condition, free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, stains, or signs of handling.

Interestingly, Gerard Jollain produced a very similar engraving titled “Pole arctique ou terre du Septentrion” (Arctic pole or land of the North), published in Paris in his atlas “Trésor Des Cartes Geographiques Des Principaux Estats de L’Univers”. You can view it here: https://antique-maps.lt/product/1667-g-jollain-pole-arctique/.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 16.4 x 21.5 cm
• Platemark: 14.7 x 20.4 cm
• Inner image borderline: 14.3 x 20 cm

Price & Shipping:

AU$419 (approximately US$278.15 / €238.68 / £208.84), including worldwide express shipping.
Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you're interested in acquiring this exceptionally rare early engraved map of the North Pole, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.