This map is from the second copper plate, which contains identical geography to the first plate [1570]. On this plate, the largest ship in the Pacific is now sailing east and away from the viewer. Religious persecution forced Ortelius to leave Antwerp and there was a four-year hiatus in the publication of the Theatrum. When he re-established himself in Liège, he used Christopher Plantin’s large printing press to resume publication with several revised plates. This plate had a relatively short life of only 8 years, being replaced in 1587 by the easily distinguishable plate of the revised form of South America.
Map of the Western Hemisphere of 1581
This is one of the most famous maps of the Americas, and one that had an enormous influence on future cartography of the New World.
The map is largely based on Gerard Mercator’s large multi-sheet world map of 1569.
The most recognisable features of the map are the bulbous Chilean coastline and the exaggerated width of the North American continent.
North America shows a long St Lawrence River crossing the continent to almost meet the fictitious Tiguas River flowing westwards.
The strategically placed title cartouche hides the unknown South Pacific and thus most of the supposed great southern continent, which is shown attached to New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego.
This map is from the second copper plate containing the same geography as the first plate [1570].
On this plate, the largest ship in the Pacific is now sailing east and away from the viewer.
Religious persecution forced Ortelius to leave Antwerp and there was a four-year hiatus in the publication of the Theatrum.
When he re-established himself in Liège, he used Christopher Plantin’s large printing press to resume publication with several revised plates.
This plate had a relatively short life of only 8 years, being replaced in 1587 by the easily distinguishable plate of the revised form of South America.
1581 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
Publicações Relacionadas
Map of Brazil from 1695: A Historical Overview
1671 engraving of Fort Orange on the island of Itamaraca
Map of Paraíba from 1662: An Engraved Masterpiece
Engraving of Salvador de Bahia from 1770 - Historical Maps
Map of the Azores from 1584
1727 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
1666 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean - Historical Map
Map of Africa 1593 - Historical Map
Map of South America from 1619: A Historical Insight
Map of Southern South America, 1656 - Historical Map
1639 Map of Paraíba - Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Brazil 1554 - Historical Maps of Brazil
1575 Map of Europe - Historical Map
Map of the Western Hemisphere from 1700 - Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro of 1810 - Historical Map
Map of the Brazilian coast from the Paraíba River to Cabo de Santo Agostinho
Map of Brazil 1698 - Historical Map
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere - America - Historical Map
1671 Map of Mexico and Central America - Historical Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro, 1794 - Historical Map
1584 World Map - Historical Map
1679 Map of Recife - Historical Map
1694 Map of South America - Historical Map
Map of Recife of 1764 - Historical Map
Map of Brazil 1698 - Historical Maps of Brazil
Painting of the Three Kings Fort in Natal from 1647
1719 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
1587 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
Map of Brazil from 1750 - Historical Map of Brazil
Map of South America from 1615: Explore the Details
Map of South America and Brazil 1624 - Historical Map
1757 Map of the Western Hemisphere
Map of Recife in Pernambuco from 1679: Historical Insights
Map of Rio de Janeiro from 1682 - Historical Map
Map of the Province of Paraíba from 1698 Overview
1638 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean - Historical Map
This post is also on:
Português 
English 
Deutsch 
Español 
Français
