1606 Mercator Hondius Map of the Arctic Art Print
A Museum Quality Art Print of the 1606 Mercator Hondius Map of the Arctic for sale by Brandywine General Store. Our premium archival print is the 2nd edition of this map with the first being the first map ever drawn of the North Pole. In this early time the North Pole is depicted much differently than what we now know is the true lay of the land. At the very center of the North Pole according to this map is a huge magnetic rock called the Rupes Nigra. This rock, the exact center of the top of the world, is surrounded by a great whirlpool into which four powerful rapid rivers flow. These rivers in turn divide a massive continent sized landmass into four distinct islands or countries. An original letter still exists in which the cartographer describes the magnetic rock and the whirlpool of waters and the division of the lands. Everything on this map is labelled and a description written about each area of the North Pole. Four circles are on each corner of the map making a very colorful display. Picture #20 an archival, antique cartography print by Brandywine General Store.