A fine matched set of decorative maps, each finely engraved and embellished with title cartouches. This set presents an interesting comparison of the variety of cartographic theories prevalent at the turn of the eighteenth century. Even though the maps were all published in the same atlas, the world map is quite different than the continental maps. The world map measures 12 x 6.3"; others approximately 10.3 x 8" with some variations in size.

1) Typus Orbis Terrarum depicts mid-seventeenth century geography with the partial shorelines of a large Terra Australis Incognita and the rudimentary beginning of an unnamed Australian continent. In North America, California is a peninsula with Quivera and Anian expanding the continent too far west. The map is supported on the shoulders of Atlas and surrounded by allegorical representation of the continents; interestingly females represent America and Europe at top, and males represent Asia and Africa at bottom.
2) This handsome small map of the Americas was derived from the Nicolas Visscher map of 1658, with a Briggs type island of California. A depiction of the discoveries of the De Vries voyage appears in the water north of Japan and Tasman's discoveries are exhibited in New Zealand, shown as Zelandia Nova. The land of Anian is noted with a Straet Anian running between it and the Anian regnum. The drape style title cartouche is held by a cherub and is lacking the engraver's imprint.
3) Asia Antiqua et Nova extends to include Japan, the Philippines and most of Indonesia. The outline of Asia follows the Mercator-Hondius model with the Arctic and extreme northeast coastlines truncated, an elongated Korean peninsula and a narrow Indian subcontinent. There are numerous place names except in China, which is strikingly void of any names and filled with a bold network of rivers and large lakes. The title cartouche includes the female representation of Asia with a large cat and a parrot.
4) Africae Antiquae et Nova shows typical seventeenth century cartography with the Nile rising from twin lakes below the equator and spurious details in the interior.
5) Summa Europae Antiquae Descriptio shows its ancient divisions, as it was in the time of the Roman emperors. The title cartouche is topped with allegorical female figures.

References: World, Shirley #586; Americas, Burden #732 & McLaughlin #25-5; Africa, Betz #166; Asia, Yeo #26.

Condition: A

Superb impressions and attractive later color. There is a bit of light foxing in blank margins.