Orbis Typus Universalis Iuxta Hydrographorum Traditionem Exactissime Depicta. (Tabula orbis cum descriptione ventorum)

Description

This is one of the earliest obtainable world maps to present the word ‘America’ and is highly sought after. This map was originally drawn by Fries who signs “L.F.” in the main title.

The map is crossed by directional lines and framed by a decorative banner with the names of the the winds. England and Scotland are shown as separate islands. India is drawn as a confusing double peninsula.

South America is shown, although largely based upon guesswork, as the remainder of Magellan crew did not return to Europe until September 1522, several months after this map was first published. The current example is dated to 1541 based on the additional title of Tabula orbis cum descriptione.

Shirley sums up the attraction of this map for collectors nicely, noting that it reflects the ambiguities of early 16th century cartography and exploration, “a framework of medieval thinking is having to be re-cast in order to accept the as yet unrealized extent of the newly conquered lands.”