First state of this map from a Dutch Bible published by the renowned house of Elzevier. Superb double hemisphere world map surrounded by engravings including allegorical representations of the continents as well as native inhabitants and wildlife. Visscher's decorations were so popular several other cartographers copied them. Two diagrams depicting the Ptolemaic and Copernican theories of the solar system appear within the cusps of the hemispheres. The northwest coast of North America is greatly exaggerated and shows California as a peninsula. Western Australia, Van Diemen's Land and a bit of New Zealand are marked.

References: Shirley #431; Poortman & Augusteijn #118.

Condition: A

Very wide margins, fine impression and later color. Expert repairs on folds.