Planisfero - World; Nicolaes Visscher I (1618–1679) - Orbis Terrarum Tabula Recens Emendata et in Lucem Edita per N. Visscher" - 1661-1680

One of the most celebrated and iconic masterpieces of seventeenth-century Dutch cartography.

This splendid double-hemisphere world map stands out for its exceptional decorative richness and the high quality of the engraving.

In the corners are depicted the rich allegories of the four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa and America) accompanied by native figures, local flora and fauna. Between the two hemispheres, at the top and bottom, two circular astronomical diagrams stand out, illustrating the cosmological systems of Ptolemy and Copernicus.

Geographical peculiarities: The map accurately documents Dutch discoveries in New Holland (Australia) and in New Zealand. It also shows California correctly configured as a peninsula (in contrast to many contemporary cartographers who depicted it as an island), connected to the north to the mythical Strait of Anian.

An exemplar printed on contemporary laid paper, with vivid coloring and well preserved.

The usual central publisher’s fold is perfectly flattened.

Notes on restoration and margins: The work shows professional restoration to the outer edges. Since this was a sheet originally inserted inside a bound volume (Bible), the original white margins were originally very narrow just after the line of the copperplate engraving. To improve preservation and allow a proper and elegant framing, the four white borders have been deftly reintegrated and refreshed with period-appropriate paper.

The restoration is conservative, it does not in any way touch the engraved part and restores the map to its full visual integrity.