Subject: World
Period: 1612 (circa)
Publication: Epitome Theatri Orbis Terrarum…
Color: Hand Color
Size:
4.8 x 3.2 inches
12.2 x 8.1 cm
This is the first miniature world map presented on Mercator's projection. It depicts the large southern continent and is enclosed in a wide border marking the degrees of latitude and longitude. A notation in North America notes its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The stippled sea features two sailing ships and a sea monster. This miniature map was engraved by the brothers Ambrose and Gerdinand Arsenius who had been assistants to Frans Hogenburg and thus co-engravers of Ortelius' folio Theatrum. This series of maps was accompanied by text by Michel Coignet and was published by Johann Keerburgen. Latin text on verso.
References: Shirley #230; King (2nd ed.) p. 87.
Condition: A