MAP, South Pole, Wytfliet

Early Map of Terra Australis and the Strait of Magellan. South Pole, Antarctica. Cornelis Wytfliet, Chica sive Patagonica et Australis Terra, from Descriptionis Ptolemaicae Augmentum..., 1597 (dated). Black & White. This scarce early map features Terra Australis, the great southern landmass thought to cover the South Pole and incorporate what would later be discovered to be Australia. Its cartography is based upon Mercator's 1569 wall map of the world, and was perpetuated by the likes of Ortelius, de Jode, Blaeu and numerous others until the concept was disproved by Cook in 1769. The map is divided into two parts. The upper section shows the tip of South America with the Spanish colony of Philippopolis, and the Strait of Magellan that separates it from Terra Australis. The lower map is presented on a polar projection that shows the huge Terra Australis, with promontories reaching towards Africa, Java and New Guinea. The kingdoms of Maletur, Lucach and Psitacorum (Land of the Parrots), and the place name Beach are located; nomenclature that continues to appear on subsequent maps of Australia. The sea is stipple engraved and includes an image of Magellan's ship Victoria entering the strait, which is named for him. It is further ornamented with a fine strapwork title cartouche.
Dimensions: 8.9 x 11.4 in
Condition Report: A dark impression on watermarked paper. There are a few faint spots in the top blank margin and remnants of hinge tape on verso. Grade: A