This beautiful early-coloured copper en 'Polus Arcticus fiue Tractatus Septentrionalis' by Johann Bussemacher and Matthias Quad depicts the enigmatic and largely uncharted Arctic regions, including the North Pole. This map appears in the 'Fasciculus Geographicus Complectens Praeciparum Totius orbis Regionum tabulas circiter centum. una cum earundum Enarrationibus' atlas which was published in Cologne in 1600.
 
Matthias Quad (1557-1613) was a German cartographer and publisher who played a significant role in the development of early modern cartography. He was born in Cologne, and is often referred to as Matthias Quad the Elder to distinguish him from his son, who was also a cartographer. Quad was a skilled engraver and mapmaker and is best known for his work in creating and publishing atlases and maps during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He collaborated with various renowned cartographers and publishers of his time. 
 
Johann Bussemacher (1593-1653) was a German cartographer and publisher who continued the cartographic legacy of his father, Johann Bussemacher the First. He was born in Cologne, into a family of skilled mapmakers and engravers. Following in his father's footsteps, Johann Bussemacher continued the family business and collaborated with other prominent cartographers of his time.
 
The map is decoratively coloured and overall in excellent condition, with a latin text at the back.