"Regiones Sub Polo Arctico", Blaeu, Willem

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. It depicts rhumb lines radiating from the North Pole. 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 (signed by Joan Bleau), which indicates this issue is from the second state of the plate. There is no text on back indicating it was issued after the demise of the great Bleau publishing empire, as this was among the plates auctioned in 1677 following the fire that destroyed the printing house.

References: Burden #252

Condition: B

Old color with gold highlights, with some later enhancement. Minor, very negligible, damp stain at centerfold. Trimmed margins, still very adequate for framing, with a couple of minor tissue repairs.