"Scotiae Regnum", Mercator/Hondius

The cartography of this beautiful map of northern Scotland shows the influence of an earlier map by Nicolas de Nicolay. Mercator's depiction of Cape Wrayght or Faro Head was to influence maps of Scotland for almost two centuries. The map is richly engraved with a moiré pattern in the seas and strong topographical features in the interior. The Hebrides and Orkney Islands are superbly delineated. The map is decorated with Mercator's trademark metalwork cartouche. This is the top sheet of a two-part map; it stands on its own and has complete borders. French text on verso.

References: Moir, p. 166; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #5801:1.1.

Condition: A

A crisp impression and full original color on watermarked paper with a hint of toning and some tiny spots confined to the blank margins.