This scarce early map is based on the now lost world map of Gemma Frisius [1540]. The world is presented in a cordiform projection on a cloud background filled with mythical figures and wind heads. One of the deities sports the design of the Holy Roman Emperor's double eagle on his breastplate and the three cadaverous wind heads at the bottom represent the plague-carrying winds of the south. The continents are broadly based on Mercator's globe gores of 1541, but North America is shown as a long slender landmass labeled Baccalearium in reference to the cod fishing region. Above this continent, there is a large Sea of Verazzano topped by the eastern portion of Asia. In Asia, India and Sri Lanka (Seylan) are noted, in addition to part of Southeast Asia with Sumatra noted as Taprobana. The interior of South America features the notations of Canibales near Brazil and Gigantium regio in the southern tip. Africa has few interior details noted other than the prominent twin lake sources of the Nile, with a note of the Monteslune (Mountains of the Moon) and a lone elephant. The heart-shaped border of the map contains signs of the zodiac, and the seas are enlivened with ships and sea monsters. This example was printed from the first, of three woodblocks.

References: Shirley #82.

Condition: A+

Beautiful impression.