In the history of exploration, Hessel Gerritsz is one of the names that keeps returning.
The record lists Hessel Gerritsz as Dutch engraver and cartographer (1581–1632).
Hessel Gerritsz was born at Assum in 1581. His recorded nationality is Dutch Republic.
The Age of Discovery was driven by Iberian crowns, the caravel and the search for a sea route to the spice trade - and it opened the Atlantic world with consequences its sailors never intended.
He is recorded as cartographer, artist and copper engraver.
Distance was the hardest problem of the pre-modern world, and it was solved by people willing to risk it.
Hessel Gerritsz died in 1632, aged 51. The routes and charts outlived the journey, which is how exploration is actually measured.
Achievements
- Recorded as cartographer, artist and copper engraver
