Islas Baleares | Jigsaw Puzzle Map of Mallorca Minorca Ibiza 1662 | Balearic Islands | Mallorca Map | Ibiza Map | 30, 110, 252, 500 Pieces

This exquisite jigsaw puzzle offers a captivating portrayal of the enchanting Mediterranean islands of Majorca, Minorca, and Ibiza, delicately intertwined with the picturesque Catalan Coastline. A true masterpiece of cartographic artistry, it invites you to step back in time to an era of exploration and maritime adventure.

As you assemble the puzzle pieces, a world of wonder unfolds before your eyes. Majestic sea monsters, their mythical forms rising from the depths, evoke the mysteries of the deep blue sea. Stately ships, with their billowing sails and regal masts, gracefully navigate the azure waters, symbolizing the age of maritime exploration and trade.

The puzzle showcases the proud royal coats of arms, resonating with the authority and prestige of the kingdoms that once held sway over these enchanting lands. Each coat of arms tells a story of dynastic heritage and the historical significance of these Mediterranean gems.

Adorning the puzzle's borders is an elegant title scroll, adorned with intricate calligraphy and ornate embellishments. This scroll is a testament to the mapmaker's artistry and attention to detail, introducing you to the puzzle's subject with a sense of grandeur and reverence.

This map originally appeared in "Theatrum orbis terrarum, sive, Atlas novus," created between 1642 and 1662 by Joan Blaeu. Known as the "Atlas Blaeu" and later referred to as the "Atlas Maior" (Latin for "Great Atlas"), it was published by Willem Janszoon Blaeu but compiled by his son, the Amsterdam publisher Joan Blaeu, between 1662 and 1672.

This puzzle is a glimpse into one of the most important atlases of the 17th century. The Atlas Maior held the distinction of being the most expensive and comprehensive book published in the 17th century and remained the definitive world atlas for over a century.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a renowned Dutch geographer and publisher who diverged from his family's herring merchant background to pursue mathematics and astronomy. Under the mentorship of the renowned Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, he honed his skills in crafting instruments and globes.

Setting up his enterprise in Amsterdam, Blaeu not only sold instruments and globes but also published maps and edited the works of notable intellectuals such as Descartes and Hugo Grotius. In 1635, he unveiled his notable atlas, titled "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive, Atlas novus."

Following Willem's passing in 1638, his two sons, Cornelis (1610-1648) and Joan (1596-1673), assumed the mantle of their father's business. Joan, initially trained as a lawyer, opted to work alongside his brother rather than practice law. After Willem's demise, the siblings took over their father's establishment, with Joan undertaking the role of hydrographer for the Dutch East India Company.

Later in his life, Joan made substantial modifications and expansions to his father's "Atlas novus," culminating in the creation of his magnum opus, the "Atlas maior," which he meticulously developed and released between 1662 and 1672.

In summary, this remarkable jigsaw puzzle is not merely a geographical representation but a vivid tapestry of history, legend, and craftsmanship. It encapsulates the allure of exploration, the intrigue of the sea, and the regal heritage of the Mediterranean, inviting all who engage with it to embark on a captivating journey through time and imagination.

Please note:
This jigsaw puzzle is based on a scan of the original map from 1662 guaranteeing outstanding quality and attention to detail.

You will find a screenshot showing you the original size of the scan among the product images.

As you can see the scale of the image is 100 %, in other words: The original size of the scan with which the poster ist produced.

Made with high-quality chipboard pieces, our puzzles come in 30, 110, 252, and 500 piece variations. The 252 and 500-piece puzzles are ideal for children from the age of 9. Ships in gift-ready metal boxes for a show-stopping presentation.

.: Pre-diecut chipboard with a satin finish

.: 30, 110, 252 or 500 precise interlocking pieces

.: NB! All non-edge pieces are uniformly cut

.: White metal tin box with finished image on the cover