This map is from the second copper plate which contains identical geography as the first plate [1570]. On this plate, the largest ship in the Pacific is now sailing east and away from the observer. Due to religious persecution, Ortelius was forced to leave Antwerp and, as a result, there was a four-year lapse in the publication of the Theatrum. When he re-established himself in Liège he used Christopher Plantin's great press to resume publication with several revised plates. This plate had a relatively short life of only 8 years, being replaced in 1587 with the plate easily distinguished from the revised South American form.
Map of the Western Hemisphere from 1581
This is one of the most famous maps of America and one that had enormous influence on future cartography of the New World.
The map is based primarily on Gerard Mercator's large multi-sheet world map of 1569.
The map's most recognizable features are the bulbous Chilean coastline and the exaggerated width of the North American continent.
North America shows a long St. Lawrence River crossing the continent to almost meet the fictional Tiguas River, which flows westward.
The strategically placed title cartouche hides the unknown South Pacific and therefore most of the conjectural great southern continent, which is shown attached to New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego.
This map is from the second copper plate which contains identical geography as the first plate [1570].
On this plate, the largest ship in the Pacific is now sailing east and away from the observer.
Due to religious persecution, Ortelius was forced to leave Antwerp and, as a result, there was a four-year lapse in the publication of the Theatrum.
When he re-established himself in Liège he used Christopher Plantin's great press to resume publication with several revised plates.
This plate had a relatively short life of only 8 years, being replaced in 1587 with the plate easily distinguished from the revised South American form.
1581 Map of the Western Hemisphere – Historical Map
