The cartography of this beautiful pair of maps of Scotland shows the influence of an earlier map by Nicolas de Nicolay. Mercator's depiction of Cape Wrayght or Faro Head was to influence maps of Scotland for almost two centuries. The Hebrides and Orkney Islands are also superbly delineated. The maps are richly engraved with a moire pattern in the seas and strong topographical features in the interior. The northern map is decorated with Mercator's trademark metalwork cartouche, while the southern section is untitled and decorated with a single sailing ship. A matched pair, with Latin text on verso. Size varies slightly.

References: Moir, p. 166; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #5801:1.1 & 1.2.

Condition: B+

Nice impressions with attractive color and original margins. There is light, scattered foxing primarily confined to the blank margins, and a faint damp stain in bottom blank margin on the northern sheet.