Visscher created two world maps in 1638-39, one double-hemispherical and one on Mercator's projection, both inscribed with his Latinised name, N.I. Pisactore. This is the first of the two maps, engraved by Pieter Goos. The cartography was based largely on Henricus Hondius' map circa 1630, Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula. California is depicted as an island, and a large Nova Albion stretches out to the west. The Dutch discoveries on the Carpentaria coast of Australia are shown, and the faint outline of Terra Australis Incognita is still in evidence. Queen Anne's forland (Baffin's Island) is depicted on the northeast coast of Canada. In Visscher's edition, however, the large cartouche west of South America mistakenly identifies the dates of Christopher Columbus' and Amerigo Vespucci's discoveries of America 100 years later.

Outside of the hemispheres the decorative elements of Visscher's map are completely different from that of Hondius. Surrounding the hemispheres are twelve panels illustrating paired figures from various nations, four panels containing vignettes of the four seasons, and four panels depicting the elements. Tucked between the hemispheres are two celestial spheres. The elaborate artistry and interesting geographical detail make this a very desirable map. This is the fourth edition, with the date changed to 1652.

References: Shirley #346.

Condition: B+

Attractive color with light soiling, a few minor abrasions, and professional repairs to several short separations and tiny tears along centerfold. There are two tears that enter 1/2" into border at right and left (toward bottom) that have also been professionally repaired.