Bilder Gerhard Mercator (1512–1594) – Map of the Holy Land – Palestine – Engraving (1633)

Beskrivning

"Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis ol: Palestina" presents a detailed cartographic representation of the Holy Land, oriented with East at the top. The map covers the region from the Mediterranean coast to the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, depicting the tribal divisions of Israel, historical cities, and topographical features like the Sea of Galilee. This engraving is from the Mercator-Hondius Atlas, which was significantly expanded and published by Henricus Hondius and Jan Janssonius in Amsterdam. The work is noted for its decorative elements, including an elaborate title cartouche, a distance scale, and a sea monster and sailing ship in the Mediterranean, reflecting the artistic and scientific height of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.

Gerhard Mercator was a Flemish-German cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of mapmaking. He is best known for the Mercator projection, a cylindrical map projection that became the standard for nautical navigation because it represented lines of constant true bearing as straight segments. Mercator was also the first to use the term "Atlas" for a collection of maps, a project that was completed and published posthumously by his family and later by Jodocus Hondius. His work revolutionized geographical knowledge and provided the foundation for modern systematic cartography. His maps are celebrated for their technical precision, elegant calligraphy, and harmonious composition.

Artist or Maker:
Gerhard Mercator.

Dimensions:
Approximately 58 cm x 48 cm.

Medium:
Engraving.

Date:
1633.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.