Search:

Antique maps > world and polar regions > Antique map of the North Pole by G. Mercator

Septentrionalium Terrarum descriptio - Mercator G. 1613-16.



Antique map of the North Pole by G. Mercator

Date of the first edition: 1595
Date of this map: 1613-16

Copper engraving
Size: 37 x 40cm (14.4 x 15.5 inches)
Verso text: French
Condition: Old coloured, excellent.
Condition Rating: A
References: Van der Krogt 1, 0020:1A; Burden 88, State 2; Wagner, 177.

From: Gerardi Mercatoris - L'Atlas ou Méditations Cosmographiques de la Fabrique du Monde et Figure diceluy. I. Hondij, 1613-16. (Van der Krogt 1, 104)

"This is the first map devoted to the Arctic. In the corners are four roundels, one of these contains the title, the other three contain maps of the Faeroe Isles, the Shetland Isles and the mythical island of Frisland.
The pole is made up of four surrounding islands, which myth had it were separated by four strong flowing rivers. These carried the oceans of the world towards a giant whirlpool at the pole where there stood a large rock." (Burden)
Secon state with one island (lower right) with an incomplete coast.

Currently not available for sale

Item number: 02049
(SOLD)

Question about this map

Photogallery
Overview images