Polar--Jode, Cornelis de.

Shirley, Mapping of the World 184

The condition of this item is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

A rare map of the world on the twin-hemispherical polar projection; a testament to one of the great cartographic rivalries.

This unusual and beautiful 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.

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, New Guinea and Alaska, all offered in this sale (lots 26, 36, 50, 61, 37).

"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 Catalogues).