Subject: Scotland
Period: 1619 (published)
Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae
Color: Hand Color
Size:
18 x 13.9 inches
45.7 x 35.3 cm
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 French text on verso. Size varies slightly.
References: Moir, p. 166; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #5801:1.1 & 1.2.
Condition: B+
Full original color on watermarked paper with light toning and minor foxing. The northern sheet has a crease adjacent to the centerfold, and the southern sheet has a few short centerfold separations.