Bressia Vulgo Bresse

Cartographer / Artist: Willem Janszoon Blaeu

Date Created: c. 1635

Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving

Physical Dimensions: 19.1 × 19.2 inches

Geographic Scope: Bresse, France

Archive Catalog ID: fp8-img-2175

Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive

Collection: 17th–19th Century French & Iberian Surveys

This finely executed seventeenth-century map depicts the historical province of Bresse in eastern France, published in Amsterdam by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. Orientated with North to the top, the map covers the region bounded by the Saône River to the west, Lake Geneva (Lacus Lemanus) and the Duchy of Savoy to the east, and the Lyonnais region to the south. Major regional centers including Bourg-en-Bresse, Geneva, and Belleville are detailed alongside topographical features such as the Jura mountain chain, forested tracts, and major lakes including Lac du Bourget. The map is embellished with classic Dutch Golden Age cartographic detail. The lower right corner features an ornate title cartouche framed by allegorical female figures bearing crops, symbolizing the agrarian abundance of the province. At the bottom center, putti and surveyors with sighting tools measure a distance scale labeled Milliaria Gallica communia, showcasing the intellectual and artistic sophistication characteristic of the Blaeu firm.

Condition: Light, even age-toning across the sheet with slight mounting remnants on the reverse edges.. Fine, vivid period hand-coloring highlighting regional boundaries, waterways, and decorative cartouches.. Strong impression on sturdy laid paper with ample margins.

Bressia Vulgo Bresse
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17th–19th Century French & Iberian Surveysc. 1635

Bressia Vulgo Bresse

By Willem Janszoon Blaeu

Archival Overview & Authenticated Facts

Authentic period c. 1635 Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Willem Janszoon Blaeu documenting Bresse, France. Measures 19.1 × 19.2 inches. Verified original holding from the Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive.

Acquisition StatusPrice Upon Request
Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive • 100% Guaranteed Authentic Original

Physical Specifications & Details

Medium & Technique
Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Sheet / Plate Size
19.1 × 19.2 inches
Date / Era
c. 1635
Geographic Scope
Bresse, France
Archive Catalog ID
fp8-img-2175
Provenance
The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Preservation & Condition Report
  • Light, even age-toning across the sheet with slight mounting remnants on the reverse edges.
  • Fine, vivid period hand-coloring highlighting regional boundaries, waterways, and decorative cartouches.
  • Strong impression on sturdy laid paper with ample margins.

Historical Context & Archival Analysis

This finely executed seventeenth-century map depicts the historical province of Bresse in eastern France, published in Amsterdam by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. Orientated with North to the top, the map covers the region bounded by the Saône River to the west, Lake Geneva (Lacus Lemanus) and the Duchy of Savoy to the east, and the Lyonnais region to the south. Major regional centers including Bourg-en-Bresse, Geneva, and Belleville are detailed alongside topographical features such as the Jura mountain chain, forested tracts, and major lakes including Lac du Bourget. The map is embellished with classic Dutch Golden Age cartographic detail. The lower right corner features an ornate title cartouche framed by allegorical female figures bearing crops, symbolizing the agrarian abundance of the province. At the bottom center, putti and surveyors with sighting tools measure a distance scale labeled Milliaria Gallica communia, showcasing the intellectual and artistic sophistication characteristic of the Blaeu firm.

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Every map, fine print, and photograph offered by Rubini Antique Maps and Prints is an authenticated, 100% original period work produced during its stated publication date or era. We never sell modern reproductions or digital facsimiles. All cataloged items carry verified provenance originating from the historical collection of Dr. Joseph R. Rubini, backed by complete historical attribution.