Deaths on February 12

Jodocus Hondius, Flemish cartographer (b. 1563)

Jodocus Hondius, born Joost de Hondt on 17 October 1563, and passing on 12 February 1612, was a pivotal figure in the history of cartography. This Flemish and Dutch engraver and cartographer, whose name is often Latinized as Jodocus Hondius – a common practice among scholars and publishers of the era to lend their works an air of classical authority and broader international appeal – played a monumental role in shaping early modern understanding of the world.

To avoid confusion with his equally accomplished son, Jodocus Hondius II, the elder Hondius is frequently referred to as Jodocus Hondius the Elder. This distinction is crucial for academics and collectors alike, as both father and son contributed significantly to the family's renowned cartographic enterprise.

Hondius's early life was marked by his involvement in engraving and mapmaking. He spent a significant period in London, arriving around 1584 to escape religious persecution in the Low Countries. During his time in England, he collaborated with prominent English cartographers and scientists, which not only honed his engraving skills but also exposed him to the latest geographical discoveries. It was during this period that he gained recognition for his detailed portraits, notably those of the celebrated English circumnavigator, Sir Francis Drake. These engravings captured the adventurous spirit of the age, reflecting the growing European interest in exploration and expansion.

The Enduring Impact of the Mercator Atlas

One of Hondius's most significant contributions was his instrumental role in re-establishing the reputation of Gerard Mercator's seminal work, the Atlas, Sive Cosmographicae Meditationes de Fabrica Mundi et Fabricati Figura. By the early 17th century, Mercator's original plates, though still valuable, were somewhat outdated and his atlas had begun to lose prominence. In 1604, Hondius shrewdly acquired these copper plates from Mercator's heirs. He then embarked on a monumental project, not merely reprinting the atlas, but significantly expanding and updating it with his own beautifully engraved maps.

His 1606 edition, published in Amsterdam, included over 40 new maps – many of which covered the rapidly expanding knowledge of the New World and various regions of Europe. This revitalized Mercator's work, making it once again the leading geographical reference of its time. Hondius's meticulous additions, combined with his exquisite engraving style, propelled the Mercator-Hondius Atlas to immense commercial success and widespread international acclaim, securing Mercator's legacy for future generations.

Beyond his work on the Mercator Atlas, Hondius was highly celebrated for his own original cartographic output. His early maps of the New World were particularly significant, providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive representations available at the time. These maps, often incorporating information from recent voyages of discovery, were crucial for navigators, merchants, and scholars. He also produced highly detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps of Europe, contributing to a more precise understanding of the continent's evolving political and geographical landscape. Hondius's maps were not only scientifically rigorous for their era but also masterpieces of artistic engraving, blending accuracy with decorative flourishes that appealed to a wide audience.

Jodocus Hondius was a central figure in the flourishing period known as the Golden Age of Dutch/Netherlandish cartography, which spanned from approximately the 1570s to the 1670s. This era witnessed an unprecedented boom in map production, driven by the Netherlands' mercantile dominance, its extensive global trade networks, and a strong public demand for geographical knowledge. By establishing his prominent workshop and publishing house in Amsterdam upon his return from London around 1593/1594, Hondius was pivotal in transforming the city into the undisputed center of cartography in Europe during the 17th century. His family – including his sons Jodocus II and Henricus, and his son-in-law Jan Jansson – continued to expand the family business, publishing numerous atlases and individual maps that cemented Amsterdam’s reputation for cartographic excellence for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jodocus Hondius

Who was Jodocus Hondius?

Jodocus Hondius, or Joost de Hondt, was a renowned Flemish and Dutch engraver and cartographer from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, instrumental in the Golden Age of Dutch cartography and famous for his contributions to the Mercator Atlas.

Why is he called Jodocus Hondius the Elder?

He is called Jodocus Hondius the Elder to differentiate him from his equally prominent son, Jodocus Hondius II, who continued the family's highly successful cartographic business after his father's death.

What is Jodocus Hondius best known for?

Hondius is primarily known for re-establishing and significantly expanding Gerard Mercator's influential Atlas in the early 17th century, for his own detailed maps of the New World and Europe, and for his engraved portraits, including those of Sir Francis Drake.

How did Hondius contribute to the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography?

By establishing a major publishing house in Amsterdam and releasing updated, highly popular atlases and maps, Hondius played a crucial role in establishing Amsterdam as the leading center for cartography in Europe during the 17th century, a period often referred to as the Golden Age of Dutch cartography.

When did Jodocus Hondius live?

Jodocus Hondius was born on 17 October 1563 and passed away on 12 February 1612.