Mark C. Trebels

"Chart of the Eastern Sea (Baltic Sea)" (1650). This detailed maritime map of the Baltic Sea (Oost-Zee / Maris Balthici) was published in Amsterdam by Johannes Janssonius (1588–1664), one of the major figures of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. The composition focuses on the Baltic basin and surrounding coastlines, with carefully structured shorelines, sailing routes, and coastal markers intended for mariners. The map is part of the Nieuw(en) Atlas series, one of the major publishing projects of the Janssonius, issued in multiple volumes and editions throughout the mid-17th century.

"Map of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania" (1705) by Pieter Pickaerdt (c. 1668–1737) and Adriaan Schoonebeek (1661–1705). An interesting map published in Russian, in Moscow in 1705, showing the territories of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, parts of Muscovy, and neighboring lands. It was engraved by the Dutch-born artist Pieter Pickaerdt, while the decorative cartouche was created by Adriaan Schoonebeek. What makes this map particularly interesting is that it was produced during the reign of Peter the Great, at a time when the Commonwealth was still one of the largest states in Europe, although already in a period of political decline. The map was printed in Moscow's Kremlin Armoury and reflects Russia's growing interest in the lands to its west.

"Map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Its Neighboring Lands". Commissioned by Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł, created in 1625 by Willem Janszoon Blaeu, Joan Blaeu, and Hesselus Gerardus. From the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

"Prvssia accvrate descripta - Prussia Accurately Described” (1635)". A detailed copper engraving map of the Duchy of Prussia published in Amsterdam in 1635 by Willem and Joan Blaeu, based on the earlier work of Kaspar Hennenberger. Measuring around 38 × 50 cm. The title appears in an elaborate ornamental cartouche surrounded by 4 allegorical figures and crowned with the Prussian coat of arms beneath a princely crown. The map includes the cardinal directions in Latin - Septentrio, Meridies, Occidens, Oriens. The geographic content and legend on the map itself are largely in Latin. At this point the word "Prussia" still did not yet carry that later harsh militaristic sound it would gain in European history, but things would begin changing not even a century later.

"Brandebvrgvm Marchionatvs cum Ducatibus Pomeraniae et Mekelenbvrgi - The Margraviate of Brandenburg with the Duchies of Pomerania and Mecklenburg" (1635). Poland’s lovely sneaky neighbour. A richly detailed copper engraving map published in Amsterdam in 1635 by Willem and Joan Blaeu. Measuring around 39.5 × 52 cm, the map presents Brandenburg together with Pomerania and Mecklenburg in the elegant decorative style. The title is placed on an ornamental pedestal decorated with the coat of arms of Brandenburg and an allegorical figure.

"Tartaria sive Magni Chami imperivm - Tartary, or the Empire of the Great Khan” (1635). A large copper engraving map published in Amsterdam in 1635 by Willem and Joan Blaeu, showing the enormous and still only partly understood lands of Tartary stretching across northern Asia and Siberia. At the time, for many Europeans this vast region was still a distant, semi-mythical world associated with the Mongols, steppe peoples, caravans, and the legacy of the Great Khan. The map measures around 38 × 49 cm, the title appears inside an ornamental cartouche in the lower right corner.