Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula - Frederik De Wit - (circa 1670)
Item C01 - 190 x 138 cms - Price R15,750
Frederik De Wit (1616-1698) was a famous Dutch publisher of maps and atlases. In 1648 he founded his publishing house in Amsterdam and in the period 1670 to 1680 many atlases were published. However, De Wit is particularly important for his wall maps, of which NOVA TOTIUS TERRARUM ORBIS TABULA (1670) is one of the best examples. Of considerable dimensions (1,86 x 1,23 m) this planisphere was created using the copper engraving technique. It consists of several sheets mounted on cuts of cloth, which improves its maintenance, makes it more legible and simplifies the transport and use of such a large map.
The four corners of the map show drawings of populations coming from distant lands, rare animals and plants. Between New Zealand and the Magellan Straits there is a table of distances. Below this table there is a sphere representing the moving planets according to the Hypothesis Ptolemaica, followed by the map of the Arctic Pole, the celestial constellations of the Northern and Southern skies and the map of the Antarctic Pole. Finally there is a sphere showing the moving planets according to the Hypothesis Tychonica.
The copper engraving was the work of Carolus Scottis and the original of this wall map is in the Geographic Military Institute in Florence. The original was restored in 1997, and this beautiful planisphere has now recovered its splendour, thanks to the work of Mrs. Nathalie Ravanel. The original is now safely stored where it is not directly exposed to the light and is covered by glass in order to stop (or at least to delay) the wear and tear caused by the passage of time. This however prevents scholars and students from admiring and consulting this planisphere. Consequently, one of these reproductions now forms part of the Institute's collection - recognising the accuracy and artistry of the techniques used in its creation.
This image is taken from the lower left of the map. It shows what may be some sort of ant-eater as well as people 'relaxing' in hammocks slung between the trees.
Many maps showed California as an island.
Even in this early map, the interior of the African continent was detailed with mountain ranges and bodies of water.
