Poli Arctici et Circumiacentium Terrarum descriptio novissima

Very attractive Polar map by Henricus Hondius. It was publish first 1636 for the English edition of the Mercator Hondius Atlas after the Mercator map of the North Pole from 1595 became obsolete. First two states did not contain the attractive whale hunting scenes in the borders, this third state from 1638 showing the beautiful details of the whaling industry in early 17th century. During this time English and Dutch industry competed in the Polar region, which appears in the place names of this map, e.g. Q.Elisabeths forland at the east coast of Greenland or London coast at the west coast. The Dutch recognised in Labrador / Newfoundland with Orange Bay and Hollantsche Bay.

Overall browning and some age spotting in places. Some waterstains in lower margin. Three margins backed with paper from former framing. Overall very good conditions with beautiful original hand colouring.

Jodocus Hondius was born 1563 in Wakken (West Flanders). He became a globe maker and map engraver. In 1593 he set up his business in Amsterdam after he spent several years in London. He was one of the most important engravers of his time and engraved maps for van den Keere, Waghenaer and Speed. Hondius bought the plates of Mercator in 1604, added around 40 maps and published the expanded Mercator-Atlas first 1606 still under Mercator's name. After his death 1612 in Amsterdam, the business was carried out by his sons Jodocus II and Henricus.