Polus Antarcticus. Original hand-coloured copperplate map of the Antarctic (Terra Australis Incognita) showing the southern parts of South America South Africa and both the west & south coasts of Australia (Landt van P. Nuyts).

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

The circular map is bordered by voluptuous representations of figures penguins sailing ships etc. as well as two cartouches within the map itself only one of which is captioned. (Amsterdam circa 1641). Apparently the earliest version of this historic piece as New Zealand is omitted (during the 1650's the title cartouche was removed so that New Zealand could be added). Measurements 57 x 49cm. including good margins. Some expert repairs along centre fold. Latin text on verso. A fine example. Spence 3013.