1702 – H. Scherer – Totius Orbis Terraquei

Title: “REPRAESENTATIO TOTIUS ORBIS TERRAQUEI CUIUS PARTES QUAE UMBRA CARENT FIDE CATHOLICA IMBUTAE SUNT RELIQUAE OMNES INUMBRATAE RELIGIONIS CATHOLICAE EXPERTES SUNT”​ ​ Description: Rare antique map displaying a world map on a north polar projection by Heinrich Scherer. The most striking feature is the map’s use of thematic shading to divide the world into two spiritual domains. Unshaded Areas represent regions “imbued with the Catholic faith” (Fide Catholica Imbutae Sunt). Shaded areas indicates territories that, at the time, were “devoid of the Catholic religion” (Religionis Catholicae Expertes). Following a common geographic misconception of the era, California is depicted as a large island off the west coast of North America. Australia is shown with an unfinished and unusual coastline, reflecting the limited European knowledge of the continent at the turn of the 18th century. The right side features religious iconography, including a scene of survivors from Magellan’s expedition giving thanks at the Santa María de la Victoria church in Seville after the first circumnavigation of the globe. Published by Heinrich Scherer in atlas “Atlas Novus…”, Munich, 1702. Cartographer: Heinrich Scherer (1628–1704) Sheet size: 39,2 x 26,3 cm Year: 1702 Technique: copper engraving Condition: Very good condition. ​ This is an original antique map published in 1702 and not a modern copy or reprint On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity