JOHANNES JANSSONIUS, after ABRAHAM ORTELIUS, Fezzae et Marocchi Regna Africae Celeberrima, Amsterdam, c.1636.

JOHANNES JANSSONIUS, after ABRAHAM ORTELIUS
Fezzae et Marocchi Regna Africae Celeberrima
Amsterdam: Johannes Janssonius, c. 1636
Copperplate engraving with original hand color
Paper size: 10" x 22 3/4"

This is a beautiful map of Morocco on the Barbary Coast of northern Africa by Jan Janssonius. Oriented with north on the right, the map covers Morocco and the Kingdom of Fez from the Atlas Mountains north to the coast of Spain. The Strait of Gibraltar is also included. The map renders the entire region in extraordinary detail offering both topographical and political information with mountains and forests beautifully rendered in profile. The fortified towns of Marrakesh (Marruecos), Fez and Taradande are also identified. The map is based on the 1570 map by Abraham Ortelius, who is credited here in the title.

While most of the Barbary coast fell under the Ottoman rule during this period, portions of this region were under the influence of the Spanish from 1580 to 1640, with Tangiere briefly under British rule between 1662 and 1684. In spite of being a hotbed of piracy, this region managed to trade sugar, tobacco, gold and fine leather with France and England.

A highly elaborate title cartouche adorns the lower left quadrant of the map. Beautifully illustrated ships are seen sailing in the North Atlantic Ocean. This map is based on the 1570 map by Ortelius and issued by Janson in c.1660