Joan Blaeu (1596–1673) was a Dutch cartographer and publisher, born in Amsterdam. He was the son of Willem Blaeu, and together they established the Blaeu publishing firm. Joan continued his father's work after Willem's death in 1638, becoming a prominent figure in cartography during the Dutch Golden Age.Joan Blaeu's major work is the "Atlas Maior," a comprehensive and elaborate atlas published in multiple volumes. It covered various regions and included detailed maps, often richly decorated with artistic elements. The Atlas Maior is considered one of the most significant achievements in the history of cartography.Apart from cartography, Joan Blaeu was involved in other scholarly pursuits, such as astronomy and mathematics. His contributions left a lasting impact on the field of mapmaking and helped solidify the reputation of the Blaeu family as leading cartographers in the 17th century.