One of the more fanciful cartographic curiosities and a unique view of Renaissance attitudes toward the unknown lands beyond the civilized world. This woodblock illustration presents a compendium of monsters as known in the sixteenth century. Across the top is a panel showing land-based creatures. But the majority of the monsters are ferocious sea creatures shown devouring hapless sailors and wrecking ships. Dutch text on verso with key to the engraving.
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Condition: A
Professionally re-margined at bottom left and repair of marginal tears and a few scattered tiny wormholes. Later color.