Henricus Hondius transformed cartography from a dry factual source into a richly elaborate art form with his “Antique Map Geographica, c. 1630.” One of the most famous Dutch cartographers, Hondius (1597 – 1651) initially assisted his father Joducus, who pioneered a method of reproducing spherical objects on two-dimensional surfaces. This map is regarded as an outstanding example of the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography. It is expertly illustrated with portraits of Julius Caesar, Claudius Ptolemy, Joducus Hondius and Gerard Mercator. The four elements are also displayed, as well as an allegorical image of the goddess Europa. This groundbreaking map depicts California as an island, and includes one of the earliest appearances of Australia’s northern coastline.

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