Pars altera speculi marini

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Very Good

Date Acquired: 5/8/2020

Dealers ID No.: 18913

Description: In 1584-85, Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer published Spieghel der zeevaerdt (Mariner's Mirror), a groundbreaking pilot guide designed specifically to address the complexities of coastal sailing. This work provided seamen with detailed charts, sailing directions, and advice on how to navigate the coasts of Western Europe. The charts depicted key landmarks, harbours, and potential navigational hazards, such as shoals, rocks, and sandbankscritical elements for ensuring safe navigation along coastal waters. Spieghel der zeevaerdt was first translated from Dutch to English in 1588, German in 1589, French in 1590, and Latin in 1591, as indicated in this title page.nThis titlepage is richly designed, featuring an architectural structure that frames the title at the centre. Beneath the title, a calm sea is depicted with a fully-rigged ship, flying the flags of the province of Holland and the town of Enkhuizen. Surrounding the ship are two pairs of dividers, two box compasses, and two sea monsters. At the top of the structure, five figures and a young boy are gathered around a large circular mirror, symbolizing the "mirror" of navigation, flanked by celestial and terrestrial globes and two hourglasses. The remaining space is symmetrically filled with various navigational instruments, including a quadrant, an astrolabe, and a cross-staff. Below, the instruments, two seamen, dressed in hats and coats, stand next to columns, casting a lead line and weight to measure depth. Waghenaer described the astrolabe and cross-staff as the best instruments one uses for the improvement and knowledge of navigation, underscoring their importance in the art of maritime exploration.

Engraver: Doetecum, Jan van (1530-1605)

First published: Pars altera speculi marini, integram cum borealis tum orientalis oceani nauigationem, nimirum a Freto Anglicano, in Viburgum & Naruam, tabulis diversis complectens, & earum usu decorata Amsterdam: Cornelis Claesz, 1584

Image Size (cm): 31×23

Mapmaker: Waghenaer, Lucas Janszoon (ca. 1533-1606)

Price: 4,000

Primary Category: Titlepage

Purchase Reference: Ledger 2022

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

References: On the Spiegel der zeevaerdt, see Cornelis Koeman, The History of Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer: And His Spieghel Der Zeevaerdt (Sequoia S.A., Lausanne: American Elsevier Publishing, 1964), see also Raleigh Ashlin Skelton, Bibliographical Note, in Lucas Jansz Waghenaer. The Mariners Mirror. London 1588. With an Introduction by R.A. Skelton, 3rd Ser. Vol. 2 (Amsterdam: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, 1966), vxi.

Sheet size (cm): 41.5×28

Shirley ID #: 18 Courtiers and Cannibals

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1591

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