Thomas Jenner was an English engraver and publisher who is believed to have been born in 1638, although there is some uncertainty about the exact year of his birth. Not much is known about his early life and training, but he became active in the mid-17th century, a period that was marked by political and social upheaval in England, including the English Civil War and the Interregnum.
Jenner worked in London, and he is noted for his engravings and maps, as well as his work as a printseller. His engravings often included portraits, religious scenes, and book illustrations. One of his significant contributions to the arts was his work on maps, at a time when cartography was becoming increasingly important for navigation, trade, and the expansion of the British Empire. His maps were not only functional but also works of art, often decorated with elaborate cartouches and illustrations.
The exact date of Thomas Jenner's death is not well-documented, which is not unusual for artists and tradespeople of the 17th century, whose lives were often not as well recorded as those of more prominent figures. However, his contributions to engraving and map-making continue to be recognized by historians and collectors, and his works are a window into the visual culture and historical geography of his time. Despite the lack of extensive personal details, Jenner's surviving works provide valuable insights into the artistry and craftsmanship of the period.