Dnieper River, Ukraine. Original two-part map of the Dnieper River by Blaeu, engraved by Gerritiz. This edition published in c.1630.

Blaeu was a prominent Dutch mapmaker, and his maps are considered to be amongst the finest examples of 17th century cartography.

Born the son of a herring merchant, Blaeu chose not fish but mathematics and astronomy for his focus. He studied with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, with whom he honed his instrument and globe making skills. Blaeu set up shop in Amsterdam, where he sold instruments and globes, published maps, and edited the works of intellectuals like Descartes and Hugo Grotius.