1650 Map of Africa by Nicolas Sanson

Nicolas Sanson’s Africa Vetus (1650) is a beautifully engraved and richly detailed depiction of ancient Africa, not as known in the 17th century, but as it was understood by ancient geographers, such as Ptolemy, Herodotus, and Pliny the Elder. It is a classical map, representing the geopolitical and cultural geography of antiquity (complete with the legendary dual lake sources of the White Nile), rather than contemporary knowledge of Africa in Sanson’s own time. The map has an elegant cartouche, typically adorned with eagles and strapwork and bearing the Latin title and Sanson’s imprint.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.