Nicolaes the Younger Visscher Paintings

Nicolaes Visscher II, known as Nicolaes the Younger, was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher who continued the family tradition of map-making and print publishing. Born in 1649 in Amsterdam, Nicolaes was part of the Visscher family, which had established a name for themselves in the world of cartography and printmaking. His grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, had founded the family business in the early 17th century, and his father, Nicolaes Visscher I, was also a renowned cartographer and publisher.

Nicolaes the Younger took over the family business after his father's death in 1679. Under his direction, the Visscher publishing house maintained its reputation for high-quality maps and atlases. He updated and reissued many of his father’s maps, adding to their detail and accuracy. Nicolaes II was known for his decorative and elaborate style, which was characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. He continued to publish a wide range of materials, including biblical scenes, portraits, and landscapes, as well as his maps and atlases.

Nicolaes II also contributed to the 'Atlas Minor' and produced a significant number of individual maps. His works were not only valued for their geographic accuracy but also for their artistic merit, as they often included elaborate cartouches and vignettes that were highly appreciated by his contemporaries.

He died in 1702, but his legacy continued through his son, Elizabeth Visscher, who carried on the family business into the 18th century. The Visscher family's maps and prints remained popular and were often collected and reissued by other cartographers and publishers long after their initial publication. Nicolaes the Younger's contributions to the field of cartography helped to cement the Visscher name as synonymous with high-quality and beautifully decorated maps that were a testament to the craftsmanship and skill of the Dutch cartographic tradition.