Description
Antique World Map 1652 by Nicolas Visscher 1000 Piece Puzzle
The Antique Map Collection – The World’s Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Antique maps are treasure troves of detail and interest at a time when much of the earth’s surface was still undiscovered. they provide us with a view into a world which was full of superstition and myth, and yet at the same time, in search of enlightenment and reason.
The world they represent is a world full of assumptions and false certainties combined with the air of superiority of the dominant European Civilisation of the time.
Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica AC Hydrographica Tabula
Claes Janszoon Visscher the Elder’s world maps are among the most spectacular world maps published in the 17th Century. This map is one of four world maps with decorative panels issued by Visscher between 1614 and 1652. In 1639, Visscher based a two hemispheres map on Mercator’s projection in the style of Blaeu and Jansson. This example is the fnal state of that map from the year 1652, which is engraved in the lower right.
Known as the Twelve Caesars Map, it shows 12 Roman emperors in full ceremonial regalia. In each corner is a representation of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Six scenes show costumed figures in the dress in each of regions (Europeans, Asiatici, Africani, North Americans, south Americans and Magellanici). In between these scenes are eight city views (Rome, Amsterdam, Jerusalem, Tunis, Mexico City, Havana, Parmambuco and Bahio Todos Santos). The cartography is very up to date for the period, showing discovery of Hudson’s Bay and the St. Lawrence River. The Straits of le Maire and Magellan are shown, with the massive Magellanica Sive Terra Australis Incognita (unknown Southern lands still prominently appearing). Beach is still sown in the region that would become Australia, based upon the reports of Marco Polo. The early Dutch discoveries in what would become northern Australia are shown. Marvelous (although completely fictional) California Coastline appears, heading north toward the straits of Anian, only a few short miles from North East Asia. The detail in the map is quite remarkable.