A superbly-decorated 17th century double-hemisphere world map

DANCKERTS, Justus.

Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula.
Amsterdam, c.1685. Original colour. 490 x 590mm.

Two pin holes in left margin, otherwise fine.

A double-hemisphere world with two polar spheres in the cusps. California is an island; the islands of 'Jedso' and 'Terre Esonis' in the north Pacific; and Australia and New Zealand are only partial outlines.
The allegorical scenes in the corners feature the Four Elements: 'Earth' is represented by farming; 'Air' by birds, classical figures for the bodies of the Solar System, with signs of the Zodiac; 'Fire' by war, with a battle scene with a burning city; and 'Water' has trading ships, mer-people and a whale.

SHIRLEY: 529.
Stock ID : 17538