Nice large title page from "Atlas ou Representation du monde..." by Gerard Mercator (1512-1594).

In folio, verso blank.

In the center, Atlas, the Titan carrying the world, symbol of geographical knowledge and the charge of the cosmos.The four continents are represented. At the top, Mexicana (America)is personified by a half-naked woman with a bow and arrows and an American animal (wild pig or stylized tapir). This is the typical representation of the 'America primitiva' in European imagery. Africa is represented by a woman holding arrows, sitting on a crocodile. This is traditional iconographic elements: partial nudity, exotic animals. On the left, Europe is a crowned woman, richly dressed. She holds a scepter, symbol of power. Europe is the queen of continents, associated with civilization, order, and wealth. On the right, Asia is a woman wearing a turban and a censer. Asia represents the Orient, perfumes, spices, lush wealth. At the bottom, the two women represent two regions of the world known for being 'exotic' or 'distant' in the geographical classification of the time. Pruana is probably an allegory of Tasmania. Magalanica representing the austral lands, mythical territory in the south of the hemisphere, from Magellan’s tales. An armillary globe is carried by small geniuses, major symbol of 16th- and 17th-century cosmography. The entire decor is constructed as a temple of knowledge with corinthian columns, a rich entablature, a central niche composition and a pedestal for the text. This refers to the humanist Renaissance: geography is a sacred science, worthy of a monumental setting.

Size of the page : 44,5 x 28,5 cm / 17,3 x 11 inches

Edition : Amsterdam, dated 1633, 17th century.

Condition : good condition, very small repairs on back, in colors.

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A Certification of Authenticity can be issued on request.

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Due to the age an type of paper, some imperfections are to be expected. Please examine the images provided carefully, and if you have any questions please ask and we will be happy to help you.