Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1727

This beautiful map of the Americas is an interesting version of the map series inspired by Nicolas Visscher in 1658.

This map was first published by Justus Danckerts around 1696, but the plate was sold by the family to Reiner and Josua Ottens after Justus’ death in 1701.

The Ottens reissued the plate around 1727, but curiously replaced Danckerts’ name with that of Frederick de Wit, while adding their own stamp.

The map follows Sanson’s geography for the interior of North America, with the Great Lakes open, the island of California, and the R. del Norte being a confusion between the Rio Grande (with Santa Fe near its source) and the Colorado River (emptying into the Mer Rubrum).

Above California is a huge Terra Esonis stretching almost to Japan, some of which can be seen at the top left. There are dozens of place names along this false coastline.

The cartography of South America is based on De Wit’s own work and depicts the northern region as overly broad. Tribal vignettes fill the interior of Brazil and Parime Lac appears at the equator. One of the most interesting features of the map is the first appearance of Quiri Regio in the South Pacific, reflecting Dutch exploration near Australia.

1727 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map