Nicolaes the Elder Visscher Paintings

Nicolaes Visscher I, also known as Nicolaes the Elder Visscher, was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher who was born in Amsterdam in 1618. He came from a family of mapmakers and was the son of Claes Janszoon Visscher, who also was a renowned cartographer and engraver. Nicolaes took over the family business, which was well established in Amsterdam, after his father's death in 1652.

Visscher's work was known for its high level of detail and precision. He produced numerous maps and atlases, often updating and improving upon the works of his predecessors. His maps were not only utilitarian but also works of art, often decorated with elaborate cartouches and scenes that reflected the culture and aesthetics of the time. Visscher contributed significantly to the 'Golden Age' of Dutch cartography, a period when Dutch mapmakers were preeminent in the field.

Over his career, Visscher created a large body of work that included regional and world maps. One of his most famous contributions was the so-called 'Visscher World Map,' which depicted the world with the latest geographical understanding of the time. He was also known for his Biblical illustrations and his work on cityscapes. Visscher’s maps were widely circulated throughout Europe and were often used as the basis for maps by other publishers.

Nicolaes Visscher I passed away in 1679. His legacy was continued by his son, Nicolaes Visscher II, who also became a prominent mapmaker and maintained the family's reputation for high-quality mapmaking. The Visscher family's work remained influential in the field of cartography for many years beyond Nicolaes I's death, and original prints of their maps are still highly valued by collectors today.