Germaniae nova tabula. Holy Roman Empire by Claes Janszoon Visscher.

Germaniae Nova Tabula by Claes Janszoon Visscher is a richly detailed 17th-century map of the Holy Roman Empire, showcasing the political geography of central Europe with remarkable precision and decorative elegance. Likely published in the mid-1600s, this map illustrates the fragmented structure of the empire, delineating numerous duchies, bishoprics, and principalities. Visscher’s composition often includes elaborate cartouches, allegorical figures, coats of arms, and possibly vignettes of major cities or imperial scenes. Produced as a copperplate engraving, the map was frequently hand-colored, blending geographic clarity with artistic grandeur typical of Dutch Golden Age cartography.

Claes Janszoon Visscher (1587–1652) was a prominent Dutch engraver, mapmaker, and publisher based in Amsterdam. As founder of the Visscher family cartographic dynasty, he played a key role in establishing the Netherlands as a hub for map production. Visscher’s works are known for their meticulous accuracy, decorative richness, and wide dissemination across Europe. He often incorporated religious and historical iconography into his maps, reflecting both Protestant identity and classical influences.