"Islandia", Mercator/Hondius

This important map first appeared in the 1595 edition of Mercator's Atlas. It is similar to Ortelius' map of Iceland (issued five years earlier) and is based on the same source - that of Bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson. Although the map is far from accurate, it is a marked improvement on earlier maps in both content and execution. The island is depicted with its vast mountains, glaciers and fiords and the eruption in Hekla. The settlements are fairly well located and many places of interest are named. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a sea monster and a distance scale topped with dividers. Latin text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #1250:1A.

Condition: A

A nice impression with attractive color and marginal soiling. There are professionally repaired centerfold separations at top and bottom, only entering map 1.5" at bottom, and a small chip in bottom blank margin has also been professionally repaired.