Joan Blaeu was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher in the 17th century, known for his detailed maps and atlases. Born in 1596 in Amsterdam, he was the son of Willem Blaeu, a famous mapmaker. Joan took over his father's business after his death and expanded it significantly, producing some of the most exquisite maps of the time. His most famous work, the Atlas Maior, was published in several volumes and included maps of various regions, along with rich illustrations and descriptions. Blaeu's maps were highly regarded for their accuracy and artistic quality, making them valuable resources for explorers, scholars, and collectors.