Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 13

Superb World Map on a Polar Projection

"Novus Planiglobii Terrestris per Utrumque Polum Conspectus", Blaeu/Valck

Subject: World

Period: 1695 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.1 x 15.9 inches
53.6 x 40.4 cm
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This uncommon, beautifully engraved map showing the world on a polar projection was the final world map executed by Johannes Blaeu in circa 1672. A tragic fire destroyed the Blaeu company that same year before the map was published. The plate itself survived and was acquired by Gerard Valck, who replaced Blaeu's imprint with his own. Traces of the original imprint can still be discerned in the cartouche. The map shows California as an island; the only Blaeu map to depict this cartographic myth. In the Pacific, the coastline of Australia is beginning to take shape. In South America, two mythical lakes are shown: Parime Lacus is on the Equator and Lago de los Xarayes appears in the center of the continent. The southern tip of South America is oddly truncated due to the projection. Surrounding the map are billowing clouds, the sun, moon and an armillary sphere at top. The bottom of the map shows Eve emerging from the rib of Adam on the left, and on the right, a clothed and ashamed Adam is about to depart the Garden of Eden.

References: Shirley #459.

Condition: A

Attractive color with light soiling in wide, blank margins.

Estimate: $5,500 - $6,500

Sold for: $4,000

Closed on 6/9/2021

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