This handsome and rare world map, first issued in 1590, was based on Rumold Mercator's map of 1587. It incorporates the improvements made by Ortelius with a re-shaped South America and inclusion of the Solomon Islands. Plancius here introduced new information, based on Portuguese reports, on the far-west coast of America and the western coastline of Africa. Japan is shown for the first time as one small and three larger islands, although still misshapen. This example is the third state from a Dutch Bible with the attribution D.R.M. Mathes. It is beautifully engraved in a strapwork surround with a compass rose and armillary sphere tucked between the hemispheres. Engraved by Baptista Doeticum, Dutch text on verso.

References: Shirley #177.

Condition: A

Sharp impression with excellent, later color. Some marginal stains and creases. Two professionally repaired tears in the lower, blank margin, not affecting map. With folds as issued.