Catalog Archive
Auction 116, Lot 19

"Orbis Terrarum Typus de Integro in Plurimis Emendatus, Auctus, et Icunculis Illustratus", Visscher, Nicolas

Subject: World

Period: 1654 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.7 x 12.2 inches
47.5 x 31 cm
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Richly engraved twin hemisphere world map, surrounded by engravings including allegorical representations of the continents as well as native inhabitants and wildlife. This is Visscher's first world map to be included in Dutch Bibles and is the prototype for the surrounding decorations that were copied by several other cartographers. Two celestial spheres are displayed in the Eastern Hemisphere. In the lower part of the Western Hemisphere is text describing the discovery of America and recent voyages of discovery. Two diagrams depicting the Ptolemaic and Copernican theories of the solar system are tucked between the hemispheres. The northwest coast of North America is exaggerated and shows California correctly as a peninsula. Parts of Australia and Van Diemens Landt are shown but the north coast of Australia is not depicted. New Guinea is overly large and there is no hint yet of New Zealand. Dutch text on verso.

References: Shirley #401.

Condition: B

Small stain in title. Expert repair of a tear into the figure of Asia at top right, now nearly invisible except when held up to strong light. Some professional paper restoration in blank margins, which are often damaged in Bible maps.

Estimate: $2,100 - $2,300

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 9/20/2006

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