Ortelius' beautiful oval world map is a simplified version of Mercator's influential map of 1569. From surviving correspondence, it is known that Mercator encouraged Ortelius and provided him with information, particularly with co-ordinates of places in the Americas. This is the first state of Ortelius' third world map updated with the more correct shape of South America and the first depiction of the Solomon Islands off the coast of New Guinea. North America is nearly bisected by a lengthy St. Lawrence River, and the lands of Anian Regnum and Quivira are noted on the western coast. The Atlantic Ocean is filled with phantom islands, including Frieslant, St. Brandain, Brasil and many others. A huge Southern Continent incorporates Tierra del Fuego, and the mythical lands of Beach, Maletur and Lucach. The oval projection is surrounded by an intricate strapwork design with four corner medallions containing quotations from Cicero and Seneca. Latin text on verso, published in 1595.

References: Shirley #158; Van den Broecke #3.1.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with generous margins. There are expert repairs to a centerfold separation that enters 1" into map at bottom, and a 4.5" tear in the south Pacific that is now nearly invisible. There are additional professional repairs to some small holes and tears in the blank margins, far from map.