Double hemisphere world map by Nicolaes van Geelkercken. 1617

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Item Number:  16771 Authenticity Guarantee

Category:  Antique maps > World

Double hemisphere world map by Nicolaes van Geelkercken.

Rare state without date, with Le Maire's strait; Shirley quotes only 1 copy without date.

Copper engraving
Size: 41.5 x 56.5cm (16.2 x 22 inches)
Verso: Blank
Condition: Flattened, a few marginal tears repaired, old coloured.
Condition Rating: B
References: Shirley, 295 (Rarity index RR).

From: Separate publication

Very rare and decorative worldmap. In the corners there are rural scenes illustrating the four seasons and, in the upper and lower central parts, panoramas of the Garden of Eden and the Last Judgement. Some of the human details - milkmaids, reapers, skaters - are particularly lively.
According to the last part of the text on the left-hand cartouche, Spilbergen's passage around the strait of Magellan (which actually took place in January 1616) is stated to have taken place in the previous year of 1615, thus indicating that the map was being prepared in 1616. However, the first issue known is dated 1617 (two copies recorded) and still shows only Magellan's strait. Four or five examples are extant dated 1618; one example undated (as this is the second one), and other issues dated 1632. In all these later states Le Maire's strait has been added.

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