Diego Gutiérrez (1564-1638) was a renowned Spanish cartographer born in Toledo, Spain. He is best known for creating the first known map of the Americas that was printed in Spain, which established him as a prominent figure in the world of cartography.
Gutiérrez began his career as a cartographer working for the Casa de la Contratación, a government agency responsible for overseeing Spain’s overseas trade and exploration during the Age of Discovery. He worked in the agency’s cartographic department, where he contributed to the creation of numerous maps of the Americas.
In 1600, Gutiérrez was commissioned by King Philip III of Spain to create a map of the Americas that would accurately represent the geography and topography of the region. The resulting map, titled “America Septentrionalis,” was published in 1601 and became the first known map of the Americas that was printed in Spain.
The map was a significant achievement in the field of cartography, as it provided a comprehensive and detailed depiction of the geography of the Americas. It included the latest information from explorations and voyages of discovery, such as those undertaken by Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés, as well as indigenous knowledge from local populations.
“America Septentrionalis” was highly regarded in its time and was widely circulated throughout Europe. It served as a model for subsequent maps of the Americas and influenced the way in which the region was portrayed in cartography for many years.
Gutiérrez continued to work as a cartographer for the Casa de la Contratación throughout his career, and he contributed to the creation of numerous maps of the Americas and other parts of the world. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to producing accurate and informative maps.
Gutiérrez passed away in 1638, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important cartographers of his time. His contributions to the field of cartography helped to advance the understanding of the world’s geography and paved the way for future generations of cartographers.
In conclusion, Diego Gutiérrez was a pioneering figure in the world of cartography who achieved significant accomplishments during his career. His creation of the first known map of the Americas that was printed in Spain was a remarkable achievement and a testament to his skill and expertise as a cartographer. His contributions to the field of cartography continue to be celebrated and studied by scholars today.
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