Bifolium Including Letterpress Engraved Title Page

"Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive Atlas Novus; in quo Tabulae et Descriptiones Omnium Regionum ", Blaeu, (Family)

This beautiful and elaborate introduction page is filled with classical elements. Raised on a theatrical stage, the four women in center represent the continents (Asia, Europe, America and Africa from left to right). At the top center is a large armillary sphere flanked by Apollo with his lyre, Juno with the Milky Way flowing from her breasts, and geographers with their students perusing celestial and terrestrial globes. Around them are representations of the four elements: air, fire, earth and water. The title and imprint were printed onto the sheet using separate plates. This unique example is a bifolium including the letterpress engraved title page.

References: Shirley (TP) #46; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #2:01.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with the watermark of the mythical figure of Atlas, two small worm holes at top right (one in image), marginal soiling, and a light damp stain confined to top blank margin.