“PLANIGLOBII TERRESTRIS CUM UTROQ HEMISPHÆRIO CÆLESTI…” (A General Representation of the Planar Projection of Earth with both Celestial Hemispheres). Nuremberg: Johann Baptist Homann, c. 1710. First State with California as an Island and prior to the 1715 privilage. Engraved map with original hand-coloring. (Image: 19 1/8 x 22 3/8’’).
This remarkably detailed & highly decorative map depicts the double hemispheres of the heavens & earth. The celestial spheres show the northern & southern hemispheres with the zodiac & constellations represented by mythical beasts & heroes, goddesses & dragons, a sailing vessel & serpents - suggesting an underlying meaning & power of the heavens. Brightness of individual stars is indicated by corresponding symbols.
The western hemisphere depicts California as an island (Following Henry Briggs map of North America, published in England, California appeared as an island. It became an accepted geographical misconception continuing well into the 18th century. After Father Consag sailed completely around the Gulf of California in 1746, Ferdinand VII followed with a royal decree stating: “California is not an island”).
The spheres are surrounded by animated vignettes that relay, in marvelous detail and with Latin explanation along the bottom, the Seven Geophysical Wonders of the World!
Shipped unmatted
