Willem Janszoon Blaeu was one of the most reputed cartographers of the 17th century. The Dutch cartographer had established one of the greatest map printing houses in Europe in 1599.
Willem Jansz. Blaeu or Willem Janszoon Blaeu was the son of a salesman and initially participated in the same trade. However, his interest in mathematics and astronomy prompted him to quit his trade. He received academic instructions from Tycho Brahe who was one of the renowned Danish astronomers of the age. Willem Janszoon Blaeu mastered the art of globe and scientific instrument making under his guidance.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu’s ambition was to create and compile updated maps of the world for the major world atlas that he desired to publish. He collected several maps for his dream project which he was unable to complete before his death. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum and Atlas Novus are two volumes of world atlases issued by him during his lifetime.
He had already published several marine maps and world maps by 1608. Impressed by his works, the Dutch East India Company, Vereenighde Oostind
