early life and career jan huygen van linschoten, a dutch spy, merchant, traveler, and writer, was born in 1563 in the netherlands. his life is shrouded in mystery, but his contributions to the world of art and navigation are undeniable. artistic achievements in 1596, jan huygen van linschoten published a book, itinerario, later translated as discours of voyages into ye east & west indies. this work graphically displayed detailed maps o…