Catalog Archive
Auction 185, Lot 42

"Regiones Sub Polo Arctico", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1649 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.8 x 16.3 inches
52.8 x 41.4 cm
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This important prototype map of the Arctic incorporates new information from the explorations of Capt. Thomas James with the bay named for him labeled here James his Bay. The Arctic coast of Russia provides information from Willem Barentsz' voyage and Spitsbergen is shown according the Danish expedition of James Hall. Rhumb lines radiate from the North Pole and a large title cartouche, with two figures and numerous wind heads, conveniently hides the northwest coast of America. The map is further decorated with several compass roses, ships and an additional cartouche that features men in parkas, a polar bear and foxes. Dedication to Guilielmo Backer de Corneliis (with Johanes Blaeu's imprint), indicates this issue is from the second state of the plate. Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #252; Goss (Blaeu) #2; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #0020:2.2.

Condition: A

Contemporary color with a couple of faint, unobtrusive spots and light soiling and faint dampstains confined to the wide, blank margins.

Estimate: $900 - $1,100

Sold for: $700

Closed on 11/17/2021

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