Canaan, or the Land of Promise

English translation of Visscher’s ornamental map of the Holy Land.

This is a highly decorative and detailed map of the Holy Land, published with west facing the top and depicting the region as it was at the time of Christ. Originally designed by Nicholas Visscher, this is an English version created by Joseph Moxon around 1700. Allegorical figures flank the title cartouche and vignettes along the bottom of the page, which depict important events during the life of Christ including his birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. Topographical details are shown alongside many religious locations throughout the area, including the path of St. Paul, the Wilderness of Moab, and the famed city of Jericho. Cherubs hold a distance scale and legend in the Mediterranean Sea, in addition to a dedicatory coat of arms cartouche to the Lord Bishop of London.