“Tabula Geographica, In qua omnes regiones, urbes, oppida, loca et fluvii Israeliae describuntur” [Geographical map in which all the regions, cities, towns, places, and rivers of Israel are described.] Copper engraving by Baptista van Doetecum after designs by David Vinckboons I and Petrus Plancius, printed in Amsterdam by Jan Evertsz. Cloppenburch in 1603/1604 for the “Biblia: Dat zijn de Boecken Der gantscher Heyligher Schriftuere”. Plate size: 29.3 × 49.5 cm. This early seventeenth-century map of the Holy Land depicts the region of Israel and Palestine, including the Sea of Tiberias (“Mare Galileae”) and the Dead Sea (“Mare Mortuum”). The land is divided according to the tribes of Israel, as described in the book of Joshua and other passages of the Old Testament. The map is framed by fifteen Old Testament scenes, which together present a salvation-historical overview: from the conquest of Canaan and the struggles of the Judges, through the rise of kingship in Israel, to the trials and deliverance of the people in exile. The selection emphasizes both the geographical rootedness of the depicted land and the theological significance of God’s providence throughout history. Clockwise from the right of the title cartouche: II Samuel 18 – Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree and slain by Joab. I Kings 3 – The Judgment of Solomon: the young king demonstrates his wisdom in the dispute of the two women over a child. I Kings 18 – Elijah on Mount Carmel: fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice and exposes the prophets of Baal. Esther 5 & 7 – Esther appears before King Ahasuerus and denounces Haman, who is condemned. Daniel 2 – Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue symbolizing successive empires. Daniel 3 – The Three Youths in the fiery furnace are miraculously protected by an angel. I Samuel 25 – Abigail brings gifts to David and prevents bloodshed. I Samuel 17 – David defeats the giant Goliath, demonstrating his faith and courage. I Samuel 10 – Saul is anointed by Samuel and chosen by lot as king. Judges 14 – Samson tears apart a lion with his bare hands. Judges 11 – Jephthah marches against the Ammonites, preceding his tragic vow. Judges 7 – Gideon routs the Midianites with only three hundred men, torches, and jars. Judges 6 – The Calling of Gideon: the angel appears beneath the oak at Ophrah. Joshua 10 – The Battle of Gibeon: the sun and moon stand still so that Israel gains victory. Joshua 3 – The crossing of the Jordan: the priests bear the Ark as the waters part. This pictorial framework underscores God’s continuous guidance and intervention: the entry into and settlement of the Promised Land, the gift of leaders and kings, the prophetic confirmation of true worship, and the salvation of the people amid foreign domination. The design arose from the close collaboration between theologian and cartographer Petrus Plancius, painter David Vinckboons I, and engraver Baptista van Doetecum, and represents a remarkable example of the interplay of cartography, art, and religious imagery in the Dutch Golden Age. Price: Euro 1.250,-
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