Lithuania - Grand Duchy of Lithuania: Belarus, the northwest and center of Ukraine, and the east of Poland; Gerard Mercator - Lithuania - 1621-1650

This 17th-century copper engraving by Gerard Mercator features the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, broadly covering present-day Belarus, northwestern and central Ukraine, and the eastern part of Poland. As a dominant political entity in Eastern Europe during the early modern period, the Grand Duchy was known for its vast territory, diverse populations, and strategic importance. Mercator's map reflects contemporary geographical knowledge, combining detailed topographical features with political boundaries. These maps are especially significant for understanding the complex historical geography of Eastern Europe, illustrating the multi-ethnic composition and shifting borders before the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Collectors and historians appreciate such works for their artistic merit and as documents of early cartographic science.