Kaartje van Nova Zembla, 1597 1615 - 1617

This anonymous map, titled "Kaartje van Nova Zembla" ("Map of Nova Zembla"), dates back to 1615-1617. The map depicts the island of Nova Zembla, an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, known for its harsh environment and challenging geography. The intricate details of the map include a compass rose, a whale, and a sailing vessel, all symbols of the maritime exploration that defined the period. The inclusion of these elements underscores the importance of navigation and cartography in understanding the vast and often treacherous landscapes of the Arctic. The map, with its detailed depiction of coastlines and geographical features, provides a glimpse into the knowledge and understanding of this region in the early 17th century. The map is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.