Catalog Archive
Auction 92, Lot 17

"Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: World

Period: 1635-58 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.5 x 16.2 inches
54.6 x 41.1 cm
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This is a supreme example of the mapmaker's art with carte-a-figures border depicting allegorical representations of the sun, moon, and the five known planets, the four elements and the four seasons. Along the bottom are vignettes showing the seven wonders of the world: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus over the harbor at Rhodes, the Pyramids, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus at Cairo, the Temple of Diana, the Statue of Jupiter and the lighthouse at Alexandria. Petrus Plancius' world map of 1592 was the main source of geographical information for the map. The map itself is richly decorated with cartouches, sea battles, monsters and compass roses.

References: Shirley, #255, state 4.

Condition: A+

Expert and invisible repairs to centerfold and margins. Very attractive color.

Estimate: $19,000 - $20,000

Sold for: $12,500

Closed on 9/13/2000

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