This small, untitled double-hemisphere world map was engraved

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Very Good

Confirmed: Yes

Date Acquired: 24/8/2011

Description: This small, untitled double-hemisphere world map was engraved by Hessel Gerritsz for his Beschryvinghe vander Samoyeden Landt in Tatierien, first issued at Amsterdam in 1612. The book reflects the breadth of early seventeenth-century Dutch geographical knowledge, drawing upon Arctic exploration, Russian reports, and recent East Indian voyages. Emphasis is given to the northern reaches of Tatary (Siberia) and Samoyed Land, underscoring Dutch interest in possible Arctic routes to Asia. nIncluded in this account was this world map notable for incorporating recent discoveries by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandes de Quirós, who sailed under the Spanish flag. An inscription the southern continent reads: Terra per Petrum Fernandez de Quir recens detecta, olim verò sub nomine Terrae Australis Incognitae celebrata (Lands recently discovered by Pedro Fernandes de Quirós, in fact formerly referred to as the celebrated unknown South Lands). Quirós had participated in Álvaro de Mendañas 159596 expedition before leading his own voyage in 160506 in search of the southern continent. In 1606, he claimed to have discovered Australia del Espiritu Santo, now known to be one of the Vanuatu islands.nGerritszs depiction of Quiróss discoveries had a lasting influence on Dutch and French representations of the South Pacific throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, helping to establish the early association of the name Australia with the great southern continent.nGerritsz was among the most influential Dutch mapmakers of the early seventeenth century. Trained in the workshop of Willem Janszoon Blaeu, he established himself around 1608 as an independent engraver, printer, and mapmaker. His precision and cartographic insight quickly earned him distinction. In 1617 he was appointed the first exclusive mapmaker of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), a position he held until his death in 1632. Gerritsz was recommended for the post by Petrus Plancius, the VOCs chief scientist, who favoured him over Blaeu owing to their strained professional relationship. After Gerritszs death, the role passed to Blaeu.

Engraver: Gerritsz, Hessel (1581-1632)

First published: in Beschryvinghe vander Samoyeden Landt in Tatierien, Amsterdam: Hessel Gerritsz, 1612

Mapmaker: Gerritsz, Hessel (1581-1632)

Other states: Second Latin 1612, View Record (#101)

Price: 6,000

Primary Category: World

Purchase Reference: Invoice 2011-005

Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market

References: Johannes Keuning, Hessel Gerritsz, Imago Mundi 6 (1949): 4866.

Shirley ID #: 278 Mapping the World

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1612, First Dutch