This superb double hemisphere world map is surrounded by engravings including allegorical representations of the continents as well as native inhabitants and wildlife. Visscher's decorations were so popular several other cartographers copied them. Two diagrams depicting the Ptolemaic and Copernican theories of the solar system appear within the cusps of the hemispheres. The northwest coast of North America is greatly exaggerated with the fictional El Streto d'Anian, while California is shown as a peninsula. In the Pacific, Western Australia, Van Diemens Landt and a bit of New Zealand are also noted. This is the first state. Dutch text on verso.

References: Shirley #431; Poortman & Augusteijn #118.

Condition: B+

A nice impression, issued folding with professional repairs along folds and light soiling. There are a few small chips and tears in blank margins, including two that enter 1/2" into image at left that have been archivally repaired.