The cartography of this beautiful map of northern 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 map is richly engraved with a moiré pattern in the seas and strong topographical features in the interior. The Hebrides and Orkney Islands are superbly delineated. The map is decorated with Mercator's trademark metalwork cartouche. This is the top sheet of a two-part map; it stands on its own and has complete borders. French text on verso, published in either 1609 or 1619.

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

Condition: A

A sharp impression with full contemporary color on a sheet with a small coat of arms watermark and marginal foxing.