Kaart van Spitsbergen, 1596 1644 - 1646

This 17th-century map by an anonymous artist depicts the island of Spitsbergen (now Svalbard) in the Arctic Ocean. The "Kaart van Spitsbergen, 1596" is a detailed cartographic representation of the island, showcasing its coastline, geographic features, and surrounding waters. The map is notable for its precise depiction of the island's topography and for the intricate grid system, which aids in navigation and geographic referencing. The map is housed in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the enduring historical and scientific value of early cartographic works.