The 1612 translation of the eighth memorial of Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, published in Amsterdam, contains the earliest print usage of the word Australia outside of Spain.
Early Apprenticeship and Workshop
Born at Assum in 1581, Gerritsz began his professional life in Alkmaar, apprenticing under the cartographer and globe maker Willem Janszoon Blaeu. He later relocated to the Damrak area of Amsterdam with Blaeu’s workshop. By 1610, he opened his own independent printing shop on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, where he produced maps for notable publishers including Jan Janssonius and his former mentor, Blaeu.
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On 16 October 1617, Gerritsz attained the role of exclusive cartographer for the Dutch East India Company. Recommended by chief scientist Petrus Plancius, this position required him to process all incoming logs and charts from returning merchants and explorers. This access to proprietary data allowed him to generate highly accurate maps that were subsequently used by company captains on their maritime voyages.
Representing the Southern Lands
Gerritsz played a central role in mapping the coastline of Australia. His 1622 map utilized findings from Willem Janszoon’s 1606 voyage, while his 1627 work, Caert van't Landt van d'Eendracht, documented discoveries by Dirk Hartog. In 1628, he updated these records to include the charting of the southern coast performed by François Thijssen. His 1622 Pacific map was consulted by Abel Tasman during his 1642 expedition.
Expansion into the Americas
In his final years, Gerritsz traveled to Brazil and the Caribbean between 1628 and 1629. This experience informed his contributions to Joannes de Laet’s 1630 work, Beschrijvinghe van West-Indiën. His depiction of Florida, labeled as Tegesta, became a standard reference for two centuries. Gerritsz died in Amsterdam and was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk on 4 September 1632.
Fast facts
- Born: 1581, Assum
- Died: 1632, Amsterdam
- Primary Occupations: Engraver, cartographer, publisher
- Key Employer: Dutch East India Company
- First wife: Geertje Gijsberts
- Notable 1613 publication: History of the land named Spitsbergen
- Known for: Mapping the Eendrachtsland coastline
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 1612 map?
It provided early representation of the Torres Strait and used the term Australia in print for the first time outside of Spain.
How did he contribute to Dutch maritime navigation?
As the exclusive cartographer for the Dutch East India Company, he processed secret logs and provided captains with updated, reliable navigation charts.
Achievements
- Recorded as cartographer, artist and copper engraver
