Hessel Gerritsz
Hessel Gerritsz began his career in Alkmaar as an apprentice to Willem Jansz Blaeu. The master was ten years older than the young student. Gerritsz moved with Blaeu's workshop to Damrak, a street where he lived when he married Geertje Gijsberts of Alkmaar in 1607. They had eight children together before Geertje died before 1624. By 1610, Gerritsz established his own printing workshop on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. His engravings and maps frequently appeared in atlases published by Blaeu and Jan Janssonius.
Gerritsz produced a world map in 1612 that included discoveries made by Pedro Fernandes de Queirós. This map specifically indicated Vanuatu, though it was long thought to be part of the South Land. The work became very influential on Dutch and French representations of the South Pacific during the 17th and 18th centuries. It helped establish the name Australia alongside Queirós' publications. In 1613, Gerritsz wrote and published a History of the land named Spitsbergen describing early voyages and whaling activities. That volume showcased his engraving talents through depictions like a walrus with its calf.
On the 16th of October 1617, Hessel Gerritsz was appointed the first exclusive cartographer of the Dutch East India Company. Petrus Plancius recommended him for this strategic position despite not getting along with senior Willem Blaeu. Blaeu and Gerritsz remained friends throughout their careers. All charts and logs from returning VOC merchants and explorers had to be submitted to Gerritsz. His charts accompanied all VOC captains on their voyages. He kept this post until his death after which the Blaeu family held the position starting with Willem Jansz until 1705.
Gerritsz's map of 1622 showed the first part of Australia charted by Willem Janszoon in 1606. This area was considered part of New Guinea but called Terra Australis Incognita on the map. In 1618, he produced a chart of Indonesian islands that represented the northwest coast of Australia for the first time. A 1627 map entirely devoted to Western Australian coastline discoveries named the land Nova Hollandia after Dirk Hartog's 1616 stay. In 1628, he added François Thijssen's 1627 charting of Australia's south coast making it the first map showing an outline of Australia.
Gerritsz died in 1632 at age 54 and was buried in the Oude Kerk on the 4th of September. Willem Jansz Blaeu took his place as cartographer of the VOC in January of the following year. Georg Marcgrave assumed the role for the Dutch West India Company. Gerritsz is considered by some unquestionably the chief Dutch cartographer of the 17th century despite strong competition. His work established foundations for future mapping efforts across multiple continents.
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Common questions
Who was Hessel Gerritsz and what was his profession?
Hessel Gerritsz was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher who began his career as an apprentice to Willem Jansz Blaeu in Alkmaar. He established his own printing workshop on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal by 1610 and produced influential maps of the South Pacific.
When did Hessel Gerritsz become the first exclusive cartographer of the Dutch East India Company?
Hessel Gerritsz was appointed the first exclusive cartographer of the Dutch East India Company on the 16th of October 1617. Petrus Plancius recommended him for this strategic position despite not getting along with senior Willem Blaeu.
What significant map did Hessel Gerritsz produce regarding Australia in 1628?
In 1628, Hessel Gerritsz added François Thijssen's 1627 charting of Australia's south coast making it the first map showing an outline of Australia. His earlier work from 1622 showed the first part of Australia charted by Willem Janszoon in 1606 which was considered part of New Guinea but called Terra Australis Incognita on the map.
How many children did Hessel Gerritsz have and when did he die?
Hessel Gerritsz had eight children together before his wife Geertje Gijsberts died before 1624. He died in 1632 at age 54 and was buried in the Oude Kerk on the 4th of September.
Why is Hessel Gerritsz considered a chief Dutch cartographer of the 17th century?
Hessel Gerritsz is considered by some unquestionably the chief Dutch cartographer of the 17th century despite strong competition because his work established foundations for future mapping efforts across multiple continents. All charts and logs from returning VOC merchants and explorers had to be submitted to him during his tenure until his death after which the Blaeu family held the position starting with Willem Jansz until 1705.