Catalog Archive
Auction 147, Lot 18

Ritter's Fascinating Sundial World Map

"[Untitled - World]", Ritter, Franz

Subject: World

Period: 1610 (dated)

Publication: Speculum Solis…

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.4 x 11.6 inches
36.6 x 29.5 cm
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This scarce and extremely unusual map shows the world projected from the North Pole as if it were the table of a sundial. The landmasses are drawn to scale in proportion to their distance from the pole. The result is a very distorted, though mathematically correct, projection. The map is filled with engravings of animals, sea monsters, ships, and a few bizarre characters, such as a pair of headless humans, and is surrounded by a floral border. This is the first state.

References: Shirley #270.

Condition: A

A fine impression on watermarked paper. Issued folding with one minute hole at a fold intersection. Binding trims in left blank margin have been replaced with old paper to accommodate framing. An excellent example.

Estimate: $12,000 - $14,000

Sold for: $14,500

Closed on 11/20/2013

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