Visscher's World Map, Amsterdam, c.1679
Visscher's World Map
Amsterdam, c.1679
VISSCHER, Nicholaes (1649-1702). Novissima totius terrarum orbis tabula. Amsterdam: N. Visscher, [c.1679.]
First state of Visscher’s map of the world from the Golden Age of Dutch mapmaking. The map is most likely the work of Visscher the younger, whose family firm was one of the most distinguished in the 17th century; Nicholaes Visscher the elder died in 1679 when the map was probably issued. It depicts the world in two hemispheres, with inset polar hemispheres and spandrel ornamentation of zodiacal and other celestial figures. Visscher presents California as an island, and there is just one large open-ended Great Lake, reflecting the poor state of knowledge about the interior of North America at the time. Overall, the map is geographically very similar to the earlier and more common Visscher-Berchem world map of 1658 (Shirley 406), but the elaborate surrounding decoration has been completely changed. Shirley notes a second state with a privilege statement below the title. Shirley 486, plate 354.
Hand-colored engraved map, 532 x 425mm plate on a 596 x 507mm sheet (light toning). Matted and framed.
Please note this lot is the property of a private individual.
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Visscher's World Map
Amsterdam, c.1679
VISSCHER, Nicholaes (1649-1702). Novissima totius terrarum orbis tabula. Amsterdam: N. Visscher, [c.1679.]
First state of Visscher’s map of the world from the Golden Age of Dutch mapmaking. The map is most likely the work of Visscher the younger, whose family firm was one of the most distinguished in the 17th century; Nicholaes Visscher the elder died in 1679 when the map was probably issued. It depicts the world in two hemispheres, with inset polar hemispheres and spandrel ornamentation of zodiacal and other celestial figures. Visscher presents California as an island, and there is just one large open-ended Great Lake, reflecting the poor state of knowledge about the interior of North America at the time. Overall, the map is geographically very similar to the earlier and more common Visscher-Berchem world map of 1658 (Shirley 406), but the elaborate surrounding decoration has been completely changed. Shirley notes a second state with a privilege statement below the title. Shirley 486, plate 354.
Hand-colored engraved map, 532 x 425mm plate on a 596 x 507mm sheet (light toning). Matted and framed.
Please note this lot is the property of a private individual.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
