Lot 210
  • 210

De Jode, Cornelis

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Hemispheriu ab Aequinoctiali linea, ad Circulu Poli Arctici... ad Circuli Poli A[n]tartici. [Antwerp, 1593]
  • paper
328 x 528mm. visible area, double-page engraved world map on an equidistant polar projection, mounted in passe-partout, fine dark impression

Literature

Shirley 184

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

A RARE MAP OF THE WORLD ON THE TWIN HEMISPHERICAL POLAR PROJECTION; A TESTAMENT TO ONE OF THE GREAT CARTOGRAPHIC RIVALRIES. This unusual map appeared in Cornelis de Jode's 1593 edition of the Speculum, an atlas initiated by his father, Gerard, in 1578. Although Cornelis' world map did not use the cordiform projection preferred by his father, it did employ a similar border scheme of windheads and clouds. There is no mention of author, publisher or engraver. The map is thought as an adaption of Guillaume Postel's 1581 world map.

Gerard De Jode was a contemporary - and rival - of Abraham Ortelius. The publication of his original Speculum was subjected to repeated delays in the granting of the royal privilege probably instigated Ortelius himself, who may have used his important connections to ensure that his Theatrum was launched well before De Jode's atlas. In spite of its attractive maps, the Speculum did not sell well, and few copies are recorded.

The second edition of the Speculum, revised and enlarged, was started by Gerard de Jode before his death in 1591, and completed by Cornelis, who prepared ten new maps including the present world map, North America, China, Australia and Alaska. The 1593 edition was the last, however a second state of the map has been recorded showing the Le Maire Strait.

"Despite the difficulties surrounding the publication of the Speculum it must have had a good reputation, and Petrus Montanus mentions it in the same breath with Mercator's Atlas and Ortelius' Theatrum in his preface to Pieter Kaerius' Germaniae inferior" (Wardington Catalogue).