The Blaeu mapmaking dynasty begins with Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638), who had been a student of the famous astronomer Tycho-Brahe.

His son Joan I (1596-1673) was the principal author of a series of works entitled Theatrum Sabaudiae on the glories of the kingdoms of Piedmont and Savoy.

Joan's sons Willem (1635-1685), Pieter (1637-1706) et Joan II (1650-1712) maintained the reputation of the grand publishing house into the beginning of the 18th Century.