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
1607 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere - America - Historical Map
Map of eastern Brazil 1664 - Historical Map of Brazil
Map of Brazil 1698 - Historical Map
Painting of the Three Kings Fort in Natal from 1647
Map of Santa Catarina Island 1777: A Historical Treasure
1666 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean - Historical Map
1638 Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean - Historical Map
1719 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
Southeastern Colonial Map of the United States, Bahamas and Greater Antilles, 1706
Map of South America from 1740: Historical Insights
Engraving of Salvador de Bahia from 1770 - Historical Maps
Engraving of Sirinhaém from 1671
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1594
Map of the Brazilian coast from the Paraíba River to Cabo de Santo Agostinho
1579 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
Map of Olinda in Pernambuco from 1640 - Historical Map
1659 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
View of Rio de Janeiro in 1840: Beauty Captured
1719 Historical Map of the Western Hemisphere
Map of the Azores from 1584
1623 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
Copper Engraving of Salvador from 1748: History Explored
Engraving of the town of Olinda in 1633 - Historical Engraving
Map of South America from 1650: A Historical Overview
Engraving of Cabo Santo Agostinho from 1645 - Historical Engravings
Map of All Saints Bay 1769 - Historical Maps
Map of South America and Brazil 1624 - Historical Map
Map of South America 1601 - Historical Map
1638 Map of South America - Historical Map
1727 Map of the Western Hemisphere - Historical Map
Engraving of Salvador from 1671: A Historical Insight
Map of the Captaincy of Pernambuco from 1698 Overview
1671 engraving of Fort Orange on the island of Itamaraca
Map of Brazil 1698 - Historical Maps of Brazil
Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, 1675
This post is also on:
Português 
English 
Deutsch 
Español 
Français
