Amsterdam – Johannes Janssonius, 1657
FAMOUS MAP OF AMSTERDAM
“Amstelodami Celeberrimi Hollandiae Emporii Delineatio Nova”. Copper engraving published by Johannes Janssonius in 1657, Coloured by a later hand. Verso: Latin text. Size: 42.5 × 54.5 cm.
This edition of the Amsterdam city map by Johannes Janssonius was made for his renowned town book “Urbium Totius Belgii Seu Germaniae Inferioris”. At the time, the Amstel was still a meandering river flowing through the heart of the city, only covered at the Dam by Hendrick de Keyser’s stock exchange and the adjacent fish market.
It was not an original work – Janssonius based his map on a plan by Henricus Hondius, which had also been issued earlier by Joan Blaeu. Janssonius updated it to reflect the situation in 1657 (his version includes the new City Hall and the completed national sea arsenal, ’s Lands Zeemagazijn). On the left and right edges are narrow panels listing buildings, locks, markets, gates, and so forth, with corresponding numbers referring to the map.
Surrounding the city is the old medieval city wall, which was due to be shifted southward and eastward with the planned Fourth Expansion (Vierde Uitleg). In the semi-rural outskirts on the city’s edge, the planned trajectory of the new wall is already roughly indicated. However, around 1650, the Amsterdam city council opted for a much broader expansion, so by the time the map was published, it was already somewhat outdated.
On the verso side of the map Janssonius in 1657 described Amsterdam:
Amsterdam was regarded as Europe’s most renowned commercial center. It originated as a small fishing village on the Amstel River, named after the dam that controlled its waters – hence Amstelodamum. The city’s early growth was supported by abundant fisheries, divine favour, and the patronage of the local lords Van Amstel. By the 14th century, it came under the control of the Counts of Holland.
Key privileges, including toll exemption granted in 1275 by Count Floris V, stimulated trade. The city gradually expanded with churches, strong fortifications, and key religious buildings. Among them was the famous Heilige Stede chapel, built on the site of the 1345 Eucharistic Miracle, attracting pilgrims from across Europe.
The Oude Kerk (Old Church), dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was the city’s original main church, while the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) had recently been consecrated. Amsterdam was enclosed by a stone wall by the late 15th century and had several main gates, including the Regulierspoort (of which the Munttoren still stands today) and Sint-Antoniespoort (known today as the Waag), the latter known for its size and strength.
By the 17th century, numerous monasteries had been absorbed into the urban fabric. Some were repurposed as hospitals, schools, orphanages, and almshouses. Examples include the Begijnhof, the Lazarus House, and the Burgerweeshuis (Civic Orphanage). The Amsterdam Stock Exchange (Beurs), built between 1611 and 1617, served as a central hub of international trade.
Governance was handled by a council of seven officials (two burgomasters, four aldermen, and a treasurer), supported by guilds and the Vroedschap, a council of leading citizens. Legal and administrative matters were overseen by local courts, and various commissioners regulated markets, coinage, morals, and education.
Amsterdam’s civic structure, religious institutions, trade infrastructure, and legal order are all highlighted as exceptional, underscoring the city’s unique position as a model metropolis of its time.
Literature: Marc Hameleers “Kaarten van Amsterdam 1538-1865”, no. 39
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