Southern pole ancient map. Polus Antarcticus by Jan Jansson . XVII century cartography.

Jan Jansson was a prominent 17th-century Dutch cartographer and publisher, active during the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking. Based in Amsterdam, he worked closely with the Blaeu and Hondius families and eventually took over the influential Hondius publishing house. Jansson’s atlases and maps were widely distributed across Europe, known for their clarity, decorative flourishes, and comprehensive coverage of both terrestrial and celestial subjects, reflecting the era's deepening interest in global geography.

Polus Antarcticus, published around 1657, is one of the earliest dedicated maps of the southern polar regions. Though based largely on speculation and incomplete exploration, the map features bold continental outlines and richly adorned borders with mythological figures, sailing ships, and wind heads. This engraving showcases both the limits and ambitions of 17th-century cartography, portraying the Antarctic as a realm of mystery and grandeur.