Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 11

"Atlas", Wit, Frederick de

Subject: Title Pages

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.5 x 17.5 inches
31.8 x 44.5 cm
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This fabulous title page features the mythical Atlas standing on the North Pole of the world and holding up the heavens with the sun and moon in the background. The globe features the Eastern Hemisphere, centered on the Indian Ocean, with an early depiction of Australia. In Greek mythology, Atlas was the primordial Titan who supported the heavens from the ranges now called the Atlas Mountains. He is one of the most recognized symbols in cartography, and in modern times is often shown supporting a terrestrial globe rather than a celestial one.

References:

Condition: B+

Original color with some soil in the margins and a couple insignificant spots below the globe.

Estimate: $700 - $800

Sold for: $700

Closed on 3/17/2010

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