Catalog Archive
Auction 95, Lot 40

"Regiones Sub Polo Arctico", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1645 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.7 x 16 inches
52.6 x 40.6 cm
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One of the many cases of duplication by the firms of Blaeu and Hondius/Jansson. In this case, Blaeu has copied Jansson's map of 1637. A large title cartouche, with two figures and numerous wind heads, conveniently hides the northwest coast of America. Rhumb lines radiate from the North Pole and 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, which indicates this issue is from the second state of the plate.

References: Burden #252.

Condition: B

Lovely outline color on map and fully colored decorations. Very minor faint foxing and professional repair of some short tears in margins, none near the image.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,200

Sold for: $800

Closed on 6/13/2001

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