This uncommon and early sea chart covers the southwestern coastline of France from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez south to the islands of St. Martin, Oleron, and the Gironde estuary near Bordeaux. Soundings, anchorages, and a 16-point compass rose fill the Bay of Biscay, with numerous place names located along the coastline. The chart is illustrated by sailing ships, a sea monster, an ornate strapwork title cartouche, and a distance scale cartouche. Two profile views appear along the top. The map is from the very rare English text edition of the Spieghel der Zeevaerdt, the first detailed atlas of charts covering the coastlines of Europe. It was translated into English by Anthony Ashley, clerk of the Privy Council, who used the Latin edition of 1586 as a model. Waghenaer's charts are renowned for their fine engraving by the best craftsmen of the period including the Doetecum brothers and Theodore de Bry, who is credited on this map. English text on verso.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) M.WAG-2a #9.

Condition: B+

Contemporary color with printer's creases running along the centerfold and a few minor spots of foxing. A centerfold separation just enters map border at bottom, and there are old tape stains in the margins from previous framing.