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Finely colored example of Blaeu's map of the World and 4 continents.

Blaeu's maps of the world and continents are among the most iconic atlas maps of the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. The present set, drawn from a German edition of Blaeu's atlas, reflect the remarkable blend of cartographic detail and artistry characteristic of Blaeu's work.

World Map ( Click+here+for+image.)

One of the finest and most famous world maps to appear in an atlas during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. The map became Blaeu's standard world map in his atlases until 1662, when he added a double hemisphere map of the world and later a double hemisphere polar projection, which was apparently not issued during his lifetime, but was later issued by Valck.

The map's rectangular shape and regular grid of latitude and longitude lines reflect Blaeu's use of Gerard Mercator's projection which Mercator first introduced in 1569. Blaeu's map is essentially a reduced size version of his wall map of 1605, with basically identical geographical information. As is characteristic of the Mercator projection, the sizes and shapes of land masses in the polar regions are greatly exaggerated. The map is now famous for its elaborate ornamentation, embellished with ships, sea monsters, compass roses, and ornate border panels. Across the top are allegorical representations of the sun and moon and the five known planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The four basic elements of Fire, Air, Water, and Land are illustrated on the left panel, while the four seasons are depicted on the right panel. The seven wonders of the ancient world are displayed in the bottom panels.

The map incorporates some of the classic early 17th century cartographic misconceptions, including the elongated NW Coast of America, massive southern hemisphere with narrow strait between it and South America, incomplete New Guinea attached to large a southern continent, etc.

America ( Click+here+for+image.)

Blaeu's map of America is one of the most sought after maps of America from the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, blending contemporary geographical knowledge and a rich decorative image. Blaeu's maps set the standard for the quality of the engraving, paper and color, as well as a fine depiction of contemporary geographical knowledge.

This map illustrates excellent detail throughout, including a classical rendition of the West Coast of America (which did not follow California as an Island myth) and dozens of place names along the East Coast. Nine decorative views of important American cities and harbors across the top and 10 fine miniatures of Native Americans of various regions along the side panels. The map is also embellished with eight sailing ships, four sea monsters and vignettes in the interior of the continent showing Indian life. Goss states, "this magnificent map sums up the general European view of the western hemisphere in the early seventeenth century…"

Asia ( Click+here+for+image.)

This map shows major Asian cities across the top and indigenous costumes along the sides. Korea is shown as a peninsula. Japan is oddly projected. Classic Northeast Passage shown, with a highly speculative and incomplete NE coast of Asia shown, opposite an equally conjectural piece of North America. Large portions of the Borneo coastline and other parts of the Islands in Southeast Asia and Australasia are incomplete or highly inaccurate.

The map is decorated with numerous sea monsters, sailing ships and a well-placed elephant above the source of the Ganges and illustration of the Great Wall of China.

Africa ( Click+here+for+image.)

This map shows major African cities across the top and indigenous costumes along the sides.

The body of the map is richly embellished with animals, including elephants, monkeys, ostriches, gazelles, lions, cheetahs and camels. In the oceans are numerous sailing ships, sea monsters, flying fish, and a gorgeous compass rose.

Europe ( Click+here+for+image.)

The map shows 9 major European cities across the top and indigenous costumes along the sides.

The body of the map is richly embellished by sailing ships, sea monsters, animals and other curiosa.