Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

Nice example of the second edition of De Jode's map sheet of Pomerania and Dithmarschen, with the map of Prussia removed.

The map sheet was published as part of the Gerard De Jode's Speculum Orbis Terrae (1593), issued by Cornelis De Jode. The first edition of the maps of Pomerania and Dithmarschen appeared together on a sheet with a map of Prussia (which has been removed in the present second edition). The 1578 edition can be seen here: /gallery/detail/27271

The geography of Pomerania is based on Sebastian Münster's Beschreibung des Landts Pomern (Basle, 1550). The map of Dithmarschen, located in the lower-left corner of the map, depicts the area of Schleswig, Germany that lies between the mouths of the Elbe and Eider Rivers on the North Sea, and is derived from Peter Boekel's Beschribung vom landt zu Ditmers (1559).

Gerard De Jode (1521-91) created some of the most geographically progressive and beautifully engraved maps of the 16th-century. Born in Nijmegen, he made his way to the great commercial center of Antwerp, where his joined the Guild of St. Luke in 1547. In 1564, he printed Abraham Ortelius' famous eight-sheet cordiform World map. Inspired by the success of Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570), De Jode set out to produce his own atlas. However, Ortelius used his extensive political connections to ensure that De Jode's efforts were obstructed, for his grant of a royal publishing privilige was delayed for 5 years. Finally, in 1578, De Jode published his magnficent 2-volume atlas, the Speculm Orbis Terrarum. De Jode's maps were based on the very best geographic sources, and employed artistically virtuous design rendered with the highest standards of engraving. In many respects, his maps were condisered to be of superior quality to Ortelius' works.

Gerard De Jode endeavored to publish an expanded second edtion of this atlas, the Speculum Orbis Terrae, however he died before it could be brought to completion. His son, Cornelis De Jode (1558-1600) finished and published the work in 1593. Unfortunately, while the quality of the maps it contained was superb, in part due to Ortelius' continued interference, the atlas did not meet with commerical success, and few copies were ever issued.

De Jode's maps are highly prized by collectors and are scarce on the market.