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M-11090: (Image: 12 ½ x 18 ½‘‘)  “HET BELOOFDE LANDT CANAAN…” Nicholas Visscher. Amsterdam: Elzevier and Van den Burgh, c. 1663. Original engraved map, issued in a Dutch Bible with exceptional old hand-coloring. (Ref: Laor #791; Poortman & Augusteijn #122).

This 17^th century map depicts the Holy Land with North oriented to the right and the Mediterranean at the top, and the land divided into the Twelve Tribes of Israel. At top, putti hold banners with the key to the map and scale of miles.

On the sea is shown the route traveled by the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Rome. The vignettes at the bottom depict New Testament events: The Nativity, The Resurrection of Christ, Christ’s manifestation to his disciples, and The Pentecost.

Visscher’s trademark fishermen flank the vignettes at bottom – on left the younger Nicolas, and at right the elder Claes Janszoon. This visual pun serves as a signature; Visscher in Dutch means “Fisher” in English.