This handsome world map, first issued in 1590, was based on Rumold Mercator's map of 1587. It incorporates the improvements made by Ortelius with a re-shaped South America and the inclusion of the Solomon Islands. On this map Plancius introduced new information, based on Portuguese reports, on the far-west coast of America and the western coastline of Africa. Japan is shown for the first time as one small and three larger islands. This example is state 3 from a Dutch Bible with the attribution D.R.M. Mathes. It was beautifully engraved by Baptista Doetecum and set in a strapwork surround with a compass rose and armillary sphere tucked between the hemispheres.

References: Shirley #177.

Condition: A

A fine crisp impression with lovely later color. Side margins extended to accommodate framing, as Bible maps are often found with close outside margins.