Willem Jansz(oon) Blaeu

Willem Jansz(oon) Blaeu

Blaeu studied under the celebrated Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) and became a globe and scientific instrument maker. He later expanded his business to include map, chart, and book publishing. After the initial success of his marine atlases in 1608, be began to compile maps for an even more ambitious project -- a massive world atlas entitled, Atlas Novus. He managed to complete only the first two volumes of this work, as he was soon diverted from the project by his appointment as Chief Cartographer to the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie [VOC]). Upon his death in 1638, the business was passed on to his sons, Joan (1598-1673) and Cornelis (c.1610-1644) who continued their father's work. After Cornelis' death, Joan completed his father's Atlas Novus with the publication of a sixth volume. Soon after, however, Joan began preparing for an even grander atlas, the Atlas Maior, the final volume of which was completed in 1662.

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