Catalog Archive
Auction 120, Lot 20

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

Subject: World

Period: 1657 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.8 x 12.1 inches
47.8 x 30.7 cm
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An exquisitely decorated double hemisphere world map, surrounded by engravings including allegorical representations of the continents as well as native inhabitants and wildlife. This is Visscher's first world map to be included in Dutch Bibles and the prototype for the surrounding decorations that were copied by several other cartographers. 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.

References: Shirley #401.

Condition: B

Dark impression and attractive old color. The sheet has been professionally reinforced on the verso to repair a few small tears just barely entering the map. Narrow margin on the right, still adequate for framing.

Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400

Sold for: $1,800

Closed on 7/18/2007

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