Gerard De Jode's First and Only Atlas.
Only Four Examples Traced in America (Harvard, Yale, Osher, and LoC).
No Example at Auction Since Lord Wardington's in 2005.
This fine example of Gerard De Jode’s first and only atlas, the 1578 Speculum Orbis Terrarum, epitomizes one of the most notable cartographic milestones of the 16th century. As a direct challenger to Abraham Ortelius’ influential Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, this atlas features an impressive assortment of intricately designed maps that drew from the expertise of the foremost Italian, German, and Flemish cartographers of the era. As an extraordinarily rare and significant atlas, the Speculum provides critical insights into the development of cartography and its methods during this pivotal time in history.
As a direct competitor to Abraham Ortelius’ Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the Speculum showcases the work of an array of distinguished cartographers such as Gastaldi, Pirro Ligorio, Alvaro Seco, Lieven Algoet, Heinrich Zell, Wolfgang Lazius, Augustin Hirsvogel, Sebastian Rotenhan, Aegidius Tschudi, Christiaan ‘s Grooten, Bartholomaeus Scultetus, and Caspar Vopel. This rich variety of sources highlights the extensive geographical knowledge available during the time, and the enormous effort expended by De Jode in compiling this book.
Gerard de Jode, the publisher and engraver of the Speculum, played a crucial role in the selection, engraving, and printing of the maps. His commitment to the project resulted in an atlas that reflects both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for cartographic art. The maps in the Speculum are characterized by their precision and attention to detail, demonstrating De Jode’s dedication to quality and accuracy.
While many maps in the Speculum have counterparts in the 1570 or 1573 editions of the Theatrum, De Jode’s atlas is distinct in its approach to cartographic representation.
The Speculum also serves as a testament to the skilled engraving work of the brothers Jan and Lucas van Deutecum. Their mastery of cartographic engraving is evident in the fine lines and delicate shading found throughout the atlas. Their expertise not only adds to the visual appeal of the Speculum but also contributes to its historical significance as a prime example of 16th-century cartographic engraving.
The Speculum is further distinguished by its iconic title pages, the first of which is framed between two obelisks bearing the signs of the Zodiac. The intricate and flamboyant design of the title pages can likely be attributed to an artist familiar with emblematic subjects, such as De Jode himself or Anton Wierix. These title pages exemplify the artistic sophistication that pervades the entire atlas.
While the Speculum did not enjoy the same commercial success as the Theatrum (contributing to its great rarity today), its influence and importance in the history of cartography cannot be understated.
The Speculum not only represents a unique approach to atlas production but also serves as a window into the cartographic knowledge and techniques of the late 16th century.
Rarity
In the United States, Van Der Kroght (32.01) records only four examples: Cambridge (Harvard), New Haven (Yale Beinecke), Portland (USM), and Washington (Library of Congress).
The last example sold at auction was Lord Wardington's (also uncolored) in 2005, which fetched £215,200 or a little over $375,000 at the time.
Gerard De Jode (1509-1591) was a pre-eminent mapmaker in the late seventeenth century, a time when the Dutch dominated the map trade. He was known for his many maps, some of which featured in Speculum Orbis Terrae (first edition Antwerp: 1578). Although never as successful as Ortelius’ Theatrum, the Speculum did get republished in a second edition in 1593, two years after De Jode’s death, by Arnold Coninx, and included this map. After his death, Gerard’s son, Cornelis (1568-1600), and his wife, Paschina, ran the shop. Unfortunately, Cornelis died young in 1600, aged only 32, and the stock and plates were sold to the publisher Joan Baptista Vrients.