This famous map is a classic example of the mapmaker's art with carte-a-figures borders depicting allegorical representations of the sun, moon, the five known planets, the four elements and the four seasons. Along the bottom are vignettes showing the seven wonders of the world: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus over the harbor at Rhodes, the Pyramids, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus at Cairo, the Temple of Diana, the Statue of Jupiter and the lighthouse at Alexandria. Josua van Ende engraved this map; reducing it from Blaeu's 1605 wall map for inclusion in atlases. Petrus Plancius' world map of 1592 was the main source of geographical information. The map itself is richly decorated with cartouches, sea battles, monsters and compass roses. Latin text on verso.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #1; Shirley #255, state 4.

Condition: A

Nice impression and original color. Professional repair on lower centerfold and a small tear in left border (Aer figure). Expert (leaf-casted) paper restoration in blank side margins.