This map illustrates the Brazilian provinces of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. It was one of 23 maps included in Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile, an account of the Dutch-Portuguese colonial conflicts in Brazil. Authored by João José de Santa Teresa, a Portuguese Carmelite with years of experience in South America, this work is celebrated as one of the most visually opulent 17th-century publications on Brazil.
The map reflects the limited geographical knowledge of Brazil's interior during this period, with its focus on the coastal regions, featuring detailed depictions of settlements, rivers, and coastal landmarks. A large compass rose aligns the map with north to the right, a typical orientation in early cartography. The map is richly decorated, featuring allegorical putti holding the title cartouche and the Portuguese royal coat of arms, which emphasizes the colonial claims and prestige of the Portuguese Crown. Sea monsters supporting the scale of miles at the bottom of the map add an imaginative and artistic touch, showcasing the blend of art and cartography common in the era.
This map was engraved by Antonio Horacio Andreas and published in Rome by Giacomo Giovanni Rossi under the patronage of Pedro II of Portugal. The inclusion of this map in Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile highlights its dual purpose: as a historical document and a visual affirmation of Portuguese colonial authority in South America.