Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1677
Visscher’s map greatly influenced the cartography of the Americas, both geographically and artistically.
One of the most striking geographical details copied by other cartographers is the large open lake in the Great Lakes region.
In fact, Visscher copied this from Blaeu’s wall map mundi [1648], but popularised it on this map.
California is shown as an island, as in the Briggs model, but with a wider north coast.
The map is decorated with two large cartouches that were copied by other cartographers.
The upper cartouche is dedicated to Cornelius Witsen and shows angels fighting a demon for the soul of an Indian. The pictorial title cartouche shows scenes of gold mining, hunting and a native chief under an umbrella. This is the second state, with the addition of Vischer’s privilege.
1677 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
