Title: Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabla, ex officina F. de Wit
Author: De Wit, Frederick
Description: Copper-engraved map, slightly hand-colored in outline, with surrounding allegorical etchings partially colored (likely later). 48x55 cm. (18¾x22").Strikingly beautiful double-hemisphere map of the world surrounded by allegoric pictorial representations, and with insets of the north and south poles, from Atlas...Maritumus Ofte Zee. Shirley notes that "Somewhat unusually the two main hemispheres have been engraved and the surrounding illustrations etched. In the corners are large and lively scenes allegorically representing the four elements. Fire is shown by war and destruction; air by the heavens; earth by harvesting and husbandry; and water by ships and a spouting whale. There are groups of figures between the hemispheres and, above and below them, two smaller polar maps." He also notes that the date of the map "can just be discerned below the signature of the important Dutch engraver and artist Romeyn de Hooghe in the lower left-hand corner," but neither signature nor date could be found on this example. Shirley does mention that the map was reissued many times. Shirley 444 & Plate 327.
Heading: zzf(World)Place Published: Amsteram
Publisher:
Date Published: [1668-]

Laid down on linen backing, with some discoloration from the glue employed, earlier ill-creasing along and adjacent to centerfold with discolored streaks; good condition, sold as is.