Blaeu’s classic 17th century map of Iceland

An important map of Iceland, based on the work of Joris Carl (1601-25), a pilot from Enkhuizen. The map is decorated with cartouches for the title and scale, with compass roses, galleons and monsters in the sea. Hekla is shown erupting. This plate was actually engraved by Jodocus Hondius jnr for inclusion in the Mercatus/Hondius atlas in 1628. However he died in 1629 and his widow sold a number of plates to the rival publishing firm of Blaeu, much to her in-laws' disgust. Willem Blaeu engraved his name on the plate and began publishing it in 1630.