A fabulous example of Blaeu’s famous carte à figures world map

Shirley describes this world map as a 'classic single-sheet world map on Mercator's projection... celebrated as one of the supreme examples of the map maker's art'. It set the standard for vignette borders, with allegorical figures representing the sun, moon & known planets along the top, the Four Elements on the left, the Four Seasons on the right, and depictions of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World along the bottom. There are decorative cartouches for the title, dedication and explanation, two spheres for the north and south poles, compass roses and numerous galleons and sea monsters. Engraved by Josua van den Ende and originally issued separately in 1606 (under Blaeu's original name of Janszoon), this example comes from the fourth state, which dates from its use in Blaeu's atlases from 1630, with the first French edition issued 1635. As the earlier states were separate issues they are increasingly difficult to find.