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This early map of Palestine, dating from the early 17th century, belongs to Plancius’ first series of Dutch Bible maps and provides a geographical depiction of the land of Canaan, specifically Galilee and Judea, as they appeared during the time of Christ. The central map is a meticulously detailed representation of the political divisions of the region, accompanied by artistic embellishments such as a compass rose, sailing ship, and a strapwork cartouche. North is oriented to the left, indicated by the compass rose.
Surrounding the map are fifteen intricately engraved biblical vignettes, each corresponding to key events from the life of Jesus Christ, drawn from the Gospels. These vignettes enhance the map's role as both a geographic reference and a visual tool for understanding biblical texts. Beginning at the upper left corner and moving counterclockwise, the vignettes include the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1, Luke 3), the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2, Luke 2), Herod’s massacre of the innocents (Matthew 2), Christ’s temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Luke 4), the wedding at Cana where Christ performed his first miracle (John 2), the Last Supper (Matthew 26, Mark 14), the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27, John 19), and finally, Christ's appearance to the disciples after his resurrection (Luke 24, John 20).
Petrus Plancius (1552-1622) was born Pieter Platevoet in Dranouter in West Flanders. He trained as a clergyman in Germany and England, but he was an expert not only in theology but in geography, cosmography, and navigation. After fleeing prosecution by the Inquisition in Brussels, Plancius settled in Amsterdam where he first began his forays into navigation and charting. As Amsterdam was a hub for trade, Plancius was able to access Portuguese charts, the most advanced in the world at that time. Plancius used these charts to become an expert in the sailing routes to India, knowledge that gained him opportunity. Plancius was one of the founders of the VOC, for whom he worked as their geographer. He also served on a Government Committee to review the equipment needed for exploratory expeditions.
Johannes Cloppenburg (sometimes Cloppenburgh; also H. Jan Evertsz and Johannes Everhardus) was a Dutch cartographer. Based in Amsterdam, he was active between roughly 1610 and 1644. He worked closely with the Hondius/Jansson firm and is credited with the 1630 edition of the Atlas Minor.
![L. Rouwolfs Land-Reyse, gedaan van Aleppo door Babylonien Syrien en Palestina [shows Cyprus]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/56340.jpg)
