Blaeu, Joannes Lot n° 556

BLAEU, Joan Novus planiglobii terrestris per utrumque polum conspectus. Amsterdam G. Valck ca. 1695 Engr., 40,5 x 54 cm, old hand-coloured with gilt details (delicately toned). Framed. Finely executed double hemisphere world map, for which, quite exceptionally, a polar projection was used. Given that this map was originally engraved by Joan Blaeu, as is still visible on the erased signature underneath Valck's imprint, it was likely intended for the Spanish edition of the Atlas Maior which Blaeu never completed since a fire destroyed the Blaeu company warehouse in 1672. The plate survived and was acquired by Gerald Valck after an auction sale in 1694. The bottom of the map is embellished with paradisiacal scenes. Ref. Shirley, 459.