Vermeer's Map: A Study Of Blaeu The Map Publishers In 17^th Century Dutch

There are such oil paintings among Johannes Vermeer's 34 artworks that contain one special theme-10 artworks have maps and globe, and 7 of them are wall maps. Research denoted that among the 7 wallmap-themed collections,5 are owned by Blaeu, only one by Visscher and one by Allare. This can be explained clearly by the fact that in 17 century, the Amsterdam's Blaeu printing company in Netherlands is the biggest printing press in the whole Europe, with up-to-date technologies Apparently, attracting enormous amount of domestic and worldwide clients. In 1662, Joan Blaeu published Atlas maior with 3000 pages and 600 illustrated maps, which marked the historical peak of Dutch printing industry in 17 century. Amsterdam's financial and economic strength were proved as large amount of atlas was published, the Blaeu playing the most significant role. The Atlas maior of Blaeu company was even regarded as the symbol of Amsterdam's industry, embodying wealth and dignity. In this thesis, by probing into maps in Vermeer's artworks, we will carry on in-depth research on Blaeu, and finally have better understandings of Netherlands Atlas market and its interests in 17th century, as well as "Vermeer's atlas mania" from multiple perspectives.