'Typus Orbis Terrarum ad Imitationam (...)'
 
This beautiful, scarce and early-coloured copper engraving 'Typus Orbis Terrarum ad Imitationam Universalis Gerhardi Mercatoris' by Johann Bussemacher and Matthias Quad  is a striking representation from the early period of cartography of the world. Based on Mercator's 1569 planispheric map, this version includes the addition of the figure of Christ and a quote from Cicero at the bottom. Notable features include the large western bulge of South America, consistent with contemporary maps by Mercator and Ortelius. Additionally, mythical islands such as Groclant, Thule, Frischlant, and S. Brandam are depicted near Greenland. At the bottom of the map lies a significant Terra Australis Incognita, predating the voyages that later identified the route around Cape Horn. Only the Straits of Magellan are shown. The cartography of Southeast Asia references mythical lands such as Beach and Lucach, believed to be near Australia based on Marco Polo's travels. Interestingly, there is no representation of the Korean Peninsula, and Japan appears in an unusually shaped form. The Northwest coast of America is depicted with a clear delineation of both the Northwest and Northeast passages, with the former being partially obscured by the image of Christ. North America's cartographic representation reflects the conjectural course of the St. Lawrence River reaching to Texas and the Great Plains. Quivira is marked as a town on the west coast of North America. 
 
 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. It has a small tear in the white margin.