Description:

FULL TITLE: Orbis Terrarum Nova et Accuratisima Tabula

Nicolaas Vischer's double-hemisphere antique world map can be regarded as the blueprint for a number of decorative Dutch maps. The decorations, by Nicolas Berchem, depict the four elements; Fire - the rape of Persephone, Air - Zeus drawn across the sky in a chariot, Water - Poseidon, Earth - Demeter. The decorations are richly painted whilst each Continent is identified by a separate colour. California is still depicted as an island, whilst Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand are beginning to take shape. Bookworms made a meal in the lower left and lower right hand corners and munched their way just 1mm into the engraving. This slight damage has been expertly repaired as well as a few minor tears in the margins which are well away from the plate mark. An exquisite work of art.

References: Amsterdam, Jansson's Novus Atlas (Koeman, Me 66, Shirley 406)

Conditon: GG

Cartographer: Visscher. N,

Date: 1658

Technique: Copper Engraving

Colour: Coloured

Width (cms) x Height (cms): 56.0 x 47.0

Ref: JJB0093