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A Landmark Early Map In the Mapping of the Dutch and British Colonies in North America

Nova Belgica Et Anglia Nova by Willem Janszoon, published in Amsterdam circa 1640, is a remarkable representation of the Dutch and British colonies in North America during the first half of the 17th Century. Notably, this map draws heavily from the seminal manuscript figurative map of Adriaen Block, created in 1614, and is instrumental in offering the earliest printed depiction of it. The map's importance is underlined by its status as one of the first to name Nieu Amsterdam and depict an insular Manhattan.

In the early 17th Century, European exploration and settlement in North America intensified. Dutch and British colonial interests in the region were growing, driven both by commercial pursuits and geopolitical considerations. Amid this backdrop, the Dutch fur trader, Adriaen Block, undertook his exploration between Cape Cod and Manhattan, examining the bays and rivers, and subsequently crafting his manuscript map in 1614. This original piece offered a groundbreaking perspective on the longitudinal scale of the coastline and showcased an insular Manhattan for the first time, naming it as "Manhates" and "Niev Nederlandt".

Willem Janszoon's Nova Belgica Et Anglia Nova followed, making its first appearance in 1635, more than two decades after Block's manuscript. Scholars and collectors alike have posited questions regarding this seemingly extensive gap, considering the significant advancements that Blaeu's map encapsulated. Speculations exist about an earlier issue, as evidenced by a unique version of the map in the Stokes Collection, New York, printed on thicker paper sans text on the reverse, hinting at a potential proof issue.

While Janszoon's map closely mirrors the Block chart in many aspects, discerning eyes would note specific deviations. Some of these discrepancies could be attributed to the survival of Block's map not as an original but as a replica, with a possibility that certain placenames referenced in de Laet's work were omitted. Further, certain topographical adjustments and naming conventions, such as the identification of the colony of Nieu Pleimonth, find their origins from other sources, notably Smith's New England of 1616. The attention to detail is evident in the rectifications made, like Cape Cod being attached back to the mainland and the accurate depiction of the Connecticut River as far as Block had ascended.

Yet, beyond its topographical and colonial delineations, what captures the eye and imagination are the vivid adornments of the region's fauna – from deer, foxes, and bears to the first printed representations of beavers, polecats, and otters. Moreover, the depiction of the Mohawk Indian village in the top right draws its inspiration from the de Bry-White engravings, offering a cultural juxtaposition to the European colonial imprints. In essence, Janszoon's map not only serves as a testament to the cartographical advancements of its time but also as a window into the rich tapestry of life and exploration in 17th Century North America.