Acquired From: Leen Helmink
Colouring: Uncoloured
Condition: Excellent
Confirmed: Yes
Date Acquired: 7/9/2016
Description: Published in Amsterdam in 1606, this richly illustrated map is one of the earliest printed world maps by Willem Janszoon Blaeu, a leading figure in Dutch cartography. It is based on a large twenty-sheet Mercator-projection world map issued by Blaeu in 1605, of which only one known copy survives today, held in the Library of the Hispanic Society of America in New York. The 1606 version, engraved at reduced size by Joshua van den Ende, became a prototype for many later world maps produced during the Dutch Golden Age.nThe map follows Mercators cylindrical projection, which preserves accurate compass bearings but exaggerates the size and shape of landmasses near the poles. In the Southern Hemisphere, Blaeu includes the speculative continent labelled Magellanica Terra Australis Incognita, reflecting prevailing European theories of a vast southern landmass.nThe map is framed by an elaborate decorative border with twenty-two oval vignettes:nThe top border presents the Seven Planets (Septem Planetae)the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturneach personified as Roman deities representing celestial influences.nThe bottom border features the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, including the Pyramids of Egypt, the Pharos of Alexandria, and the Colossus of Rhodes.nThe left side panel depicts the Four Elements (earth, water, air, fire), while the right side panel illustrates the Four Seasons.nThe map exists in five states:nState 1 (1606): Tierra del Fuego is depicted as part of Magellanica; no engravers signature is present.nState 2 (c. 16071610): Tierra del Fuego is separated from Magellanica. The signature Ja. vanden Ende sculpsit appears at the lower left of the South Pole projection. Rodney Shirley dates this revised state to shortly after 1606, likely c. 16071610.nState 3 (c. 1617): Further separation of Tierra del Fuego is shown; Fretum le Maire (Le Maire Strait) is added, and portions of Magellanicas coastline are removed.nState 4 (after 1621): The title now concludes with Guili. Blaeuw (a Latinised version of Blaeus name). The original date (1606) is omitted, and in the dedicatory cartouche, Gulielmus Janssonius is replaced by Gulielmus Blaeuw, marking a significant shift in Blaeus professional identity.nState 5: A rare state not recorded by Rodney Shirley. Tierra del Fuego is reconnected to Magellanica, partially restoring the southern coastline shown in State 1.
Engraver: Ende, Joshua van den
First published: Separate publication. Amsterdam: Willem Janszoon Blaeu, 1606
Image Size (cm): 41 x 54.2
Mapmaker: Blaeu, Willem Jansz. (1571-1638)
Price: 32,500
Primary Category: World
Purchase Reference: Ledger 2022, Email 6/9/2016
Rarity: R1 Extremely rare – occasionally seen on the market
References: Günter Schilder, Monumenta cartographica Neerlandica, vol. 4 (Alphen aan den Rijn: Canaletto, 1993), 17184. See also Simon Dewez, The Printed World II (Sydney: Gowrie Galleries, 1997), map 22, pg 4-5. Simon Dewez, The Printed World III (Sydney: Gowrie Galleries, 2000), map 51, pg 24.
Sheet size (cm): 43.5 x 55
Shirley ID #: 255 Mapping the World
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1607-1610
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