Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer

Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer (–) was a Dutch cartographer and a notable figure of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography, known for his pioneering contributions on the subject of nautical cartography.

Career

Seafaring Waghenaer is considered one of the leading figures of the North Holland school, which played a significant role in the early development of Dutch nautical chart-making. Between 1550 and 1579, he sailed as a chief officer, gaining experience at sea over nearly three decades.

It was the first of its kind in the history of nautical cartography, and was an immediate success. A second part was published the next year and was reprinted several times, and translated into English, German, Latin, and French.

In 1592, his second pilot book, Thresoor der zeevaert ("Treasure of navigation"), was published. His third and last publication, Enchuyser zeecaertboeck ("Enkhuizen sea-chart-book"), was released in 1598.

Death Waghenaer died around 1606, in Enkhuizen and in apparent poverty, moving the municipal authorities to extend his pension a year longer for his widow.