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Islandia
Gerard Mercator (*1512 - †1594)Reference 12845
Description
The second map based on local Icelandic data.
This impressive map showcases Iceland and is attributed to the famous cartographer Gerhard Mercator. It was featured in the Atlas sive Cosmographicae by Jodocus Hondius and his successors. This map, created in 1595, stands as the second modern atlas depiction and the second overall based on Icelandic data - a significant contribution to early accurate mapping of the island. Notably, it shares its roots with Abraham Ortelius' renowned map, both deriving from Guabrandur Borliksson (1542-1627), Bishop of Holar.
The precise origin of Mercator's map is uncertain, though friendship with Ortelius makes direct influence plausible. However, differences in detail and style suggest an independent source. Potential intermediaries include Danish scholar Anders Sgrensen Vedel and politician-scholar Henrik Rantzau, with whom Mercator corresponded. While the specific channel remains unclear, both maps undeniably trace back to Bishop Thorlaksson's work.
Mercator's engraving skills shine in this map, characterized by stippled oceans, picturesque mountains, and meticulous lettering variations. The detailed illustration includes a sea monster, likely inspired by whale sightings, and vividly portrays the eruption of Mount Hekla in 1510. Other famous volcanoes, like Eyjafjallajökull, are named, emphasizing Mercator's attention to both geographical and historical details.
The first and second atlas maps of Iceland differ in latitude and longitude, hinting at discrepancies in the provided data. Mercator's rendition places Iceland slightly northward and is less exaggerated than Ortelius' depiction. While less decorative, Mercator's map is simpler and more reliable, accurately representing populated areas but overlooking uninhabited regions.
This beautiful example of Mercator's Iceland map comes from the French edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas of 1633 and has French text on verso.
Details
| Cartographer | Gerard Mercator |
| Title | Islandia |
| Publisher, Year | H. Hondius, Amsterdam, 1633 |
| Plate Size | 28.0 x 43.0 cm (11.0 x 16.9 inches) |
| Sheet Size | 48.0 x 57.5 cm (18.9 x 22.6 inches) |
| Reference | Van der Krogt, P.: Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, 1500:1A.1 |
Condition
Cartographer
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