Subject: World
Period: 1700 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
18.2 x 14.2 inches
46.2 x 36.1 cm
First state of this striking twin hemisphere world map from a folio Dutch Bible. Surrounded by fabulous scenes from the Visscher-Berchem map of 1658 with astronomical diagrams in place of the north and south polar circles. These classic scenes depict the abduction of Persephone, Zeus being carried across the heavens in an eagle-drawn chariot, Poseidon commanding his entourage, and Demete receiving the fruits of the Earth. California is depicted as an Island with a flat northern coast labeled Nova Albion, and a small island at about where Alaska is located labeled Anian. In Asia the Great Wall of China is shown. Northern and Western Australia, Van Diemens Landt and New Zealand are shown with incomplete coastlines.
References: Shirley #513; Poortman & Augusteijn #129.
Condition: A+
Good original margins, which is unusual for bible maps. Expert repair on fold in bottom margin.