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Description: This beautifully engraved hand coloured original twin Hemisphere Antique World map by Nicolas Visscher was engraved by Daniel Stoopendaal and published by Pieter Keur, Rotterdam in 1716.
Background:Nicolas Visschers Twin Hemisphere World Map is regarded as the forerunner of a number of highly decorative Dutch world maps produced throughout the latter part of the 17th & early 18th centuries. Essentially based on Blaeu's large world map of 1648, Visscher introduced no substantial new geographical features, however there were minor variations in the still unknown coastline of North America.The northern part of California (as an Island) has now been flattened and is now called New Albion; still further north a small piece of land or an island "Anian" appears adjacent to a strait leading within striking distance of the west shores of Hudson Bay, a possible early guess at a NW passage. The distinctive attractiveness of many 17th century Dutch world maps is to be found in their border decorations and this one is no exception. The original artist assisting Visscher, Nicolas Berchem, introduced dramatic classical scenes. Daniel Stoopendaal carried on this tradition by representing each of the 4 know continents in allographical form in the 4 corners Europe, Asia, Africa & The America's. Another small change was the inclusion of astronomical diagrams replacing the north & south polar projections located at the top and bottom of the map. The Keur family produced a number of fine maps from their presses at Dordrecht and later from Rotterdam in the 17th & 18th centuries. This finely executed twin hemisphere world map is a classic example being first released by Nicolas Visscher and Nicolas Berchem in 1658. (Ref: Shirley; Tooley)General Description:Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stablePaper colour: - off whiteAge of map colour: - Early colourColours used: - Yellow, pink, green, orangeGeneral colour appearance: - Beautifully appliedPlate size: - 19 ½in x 17in (495mm x 430mm)Plate size: - 18 ½in x 14 ½in (470mm x370mm)Margins: - Min 1/2in (12mm)Imperfections: Margins: - Light age toning in marginsPlate area: - Several small worm holes professionally repairedVerso: - Light age toning