Catalog Archive
Auction 119, Lot 14

"Orbis Terrarum Typus de Integroin Plurimis Emendatus Auctus et Icunculis Illustratus", Visscher, Nicolas

Subject: World

Period: 1660 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.5 x 12.3 inches
47 x 31.2 cm
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This map is a direct derivative of Nicolas Visscher's first world map designed for inclusion in Dutch Bibles. It has been re-engraved, is nominally larger, and this example is from a German Bible. Identical engravings, including allegorical representations of the continents as well as native inhabitants and wildlife, surround the double hemisphere world map. Two celestial spheres are displayed in the Eastern Hemisphere. In the lower part of the Western Hemisphere is text describing the discovery of America and recent voyages of discovery. Two diagrams depicting the Ptolemaic and Copernican theories of the solar system are tucked between the hemispheres. The northwest coast of North America is exaggerated and shows California correctly as a peninsula. Parts of Australia and Van Diemen's Land are shown but the north coast of Australia is not depicted. This map now shows the western coastline of New Zealand reflecting Tasman's discovery in 1642. German text on verso.

References: Shirley #414B Corrigenda and Addenda.

Condition: B

Light show through of text on verso. The map has been remargined at side and professionally backed with tissue. There is about 1" of facsimile of the image on the right side, so skillfully done that it is only noticeable on very close examination.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800

Sold for: $900

Closed on 5/9/2007

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