This beautiful and elaborate introduction page is filled with classical elements. Raised on a theatrical stage, the four women in center represent the continents (Asia, Europe, America and Africa from left to right). At the top center is a large armillary sphere flanked by Apollo with his lyre, Juno with the Milky Way flowing from her breasts, and geographers with their students perusing celestial and terrestrial globes. Around them are representations of the four elements: air, fire, earth and water. This is a Dutch edition with the title imprint pasted onto the sheet, as was common at the time of publication. Accompanying the sheet is the introduction leaf signed by Willem and Johann Blaeu.

References: Shirley (TP) #46.

Condition: A

Lovely old color. Minor foxing and soil in blank margins with a few minor repaired tears and a professionally filled worm track not affecting image.