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This finely hand-colored copperplate engraving from Jan Jansson's rare town book offers three panoramic views of important biblical locations: Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Ramah (Ramma). The top portion of the print features a detailed and idealized depiction of Jerusalem during Ottoman rule. Prominent architectural landmarks such as the Dome of the Rock, city walls, and various minarets are clearly visible, set against the backdrop of the Judean hills. The scene is animated by groups of figures in period dress, possibly symbolizing pilgrims or travelers observing the grandeur of the Holy City.
Beneath Jerusalem, the two lower panels depict Nazareth, the town where Jesus is said to have spent his early life, and Ramma (also known as Ramah), an ancient city referenced in the Old Testament. Nazareth is shown as a modest village surrounded by rolling hills, with figures engaged in everyday activities. In contrast, Ramah appears in a more expansive valley, with detailed buildings and a radiant sun rising over the horizon, adding to the dramatic effect.
Jan Janssonius (also known as Johann or Jan Jansson or Janszoon) (1588-1664) was a renowned geographer and publisher of the seventeenth century, when the Dutch dominated map publishing in Europe. Born in Arnhem, Jan was first exposed to the trade via his father, who was also a bookseller and publisher. In 1612, Jan married the daughter of Jodocus Hondius, who was also a prominent mapmaker and seller. Jonssonius’ first maps date from 1616.
In the 1630s, Janssonius worked with his brother-in-law, Henricus Hondius. Their most successful venture was to reissue the Mercator-Hondius atlas. Jodocus Hondius had acquired the plates to the Mercator atlas, first published in 1595, and added 36 additional maps. After Hondius died in 1612, Henricus took over publication; Janssonius joined the venture in 1633. Eventually, the atlas was renamed the Atlas Novus and then the Atlas Major, by which time it had expanded to eleven volumes. Janssonius is also well known for his volume of English county maps, published in 1646.
Janssonius died in Amsterdam in 1664. His son-in-law, Johannes van Waesbergen, took over his business. Eventually, many of Janssonius’ plates were sold to Gerard Valck and Pieter Schenk, who added their names and continued to reissue the maps.
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