A superb set of miniature maps engraved by the brothers Ambrose and Ferdinand Arsenius who had been assistants to Frans Hogenburg and co-engravers of Ortelius' folio Theatrum. The rectangular world map, on Mercator's projection, depicts the large southern continent and is enclosed in a wide border marking the degrees of latitude and longitude. A notation in North America notes its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Americas map is enclosed in a handsome strapwork border. Each map is beautifully engraved with stippled seas, sea monsters, ships and tiny animals throughout the interiors. This series of maps was accompanied by text by Michel Coignet and was published by Johann Keerburgen and Levinus Hulsius. Shirley notes that the German edition contained a different world map (Entry #210). However, this matched set contains the world map (Entry 230) and is from a German edition, with German text on verso.

References: World - Shirley #230 and King, p. 75; Asia - King, p. 74; America - Burden #143.

Condition: A

Some soil and minor damp stains in wide margins. Overall fine with crisp impressions and lovely coloring.