Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606.Fig. 93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606.
Fig. 93. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1606.
In addition to this example the British Museum kindly sends the information that in its collection there is a copyof Blaeu’s terrestrial globe of the year 1606, agreeing in its dimensions with the copy in the collection of The Hispanic Society of America, also of a celestial globe of the same date which appears to be a unique copy.
The Hispanic Society of America also possesses a terrestrial and a celestial globe, the work of Blaeu, globes clearly issued as companion pieces (Fig.94), which appear to be the only copies known, the latter dated 1616, the former undated.38The spheres have each a diameter of about 10 cm., a substantial and artistic mounting of brass, including meridian and horizon circles, four twisted support columns, and a circular base plate. Though small in size, probably the smallest constructed by Blaeu, in their geographical and astronomical details they are remarkably full.
Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1616.Fig. 94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1616.
Fig. 94. Terrestrial and Celestial Globes of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1616.
The terrestrial globe, in an artistic cartouch near the south pole, is referred to as “Nova Orbis Terrarum Descriptio Auctor Guilielmo Blaeu.” “A new description of the world by Willem Blaeu author.” Unlike that of the year 1606, noted above, it contains no reference to the expedition of Van Schouten and Le Maire, and records only the Strait of Magellan at the southern extremity of South America. Continental contours, even that of “Magallanica” and of the New World, agree in practically all details with his earlier globes and general world maps. He has retained certain geographical names which appear more or less conspicuously on some of the earlier maps, as “Estotiland” north of Labrador, “Frisland” and “Island” in the north Atlantic and “Norembega” applied to the coast of Maine. The north Pacific is entirely too narrow and the island of “Japan” is located not far from the west coast of North America. Bering Strait is well represented but is unnamed. The map is not well preserved, the chief injury to it being in the western part of North America and in the central and eastern Pacific.
The celestial globe, which is the companion of the former, has a similar brass mounting. It is remarkably wellpreserved and all inscriptions on the surface of the ball are easily legible. It is made to revolve about the axis of the ecliptic. The figures representing the several constellations have been artistically engraved, and stars up to the sixth magnitude have appropriate and distinct representation. A legend near the south pole reads “Sphaera stellata in qua ceu speculo Stellae fixae ex accuratis Nobilis viri D. Tychonis Brahe observationibus ad annum 1600 accommodatae conspicuae sito ponuntur.” “The starry sphere in which as in a mirror the fixed stars are placed by the accurate observations of the Noble D. Tycho Brahe, accommodated to the year 1600.”
Blaeu’s earliest globes, as has been noted, were of small dimensions. It must have been shortly after the year 1616 that he decided to undertake the construction of those of much greater size, to the end of making his work the more serviceable; but to this he may have been led in part, as before noted, by the success of the large globes of Hondius of the year 1613.39Unfortunately it is not easy to determine the exact date of the several issues of his work appearing in the last twenty years of his life. In general, the date of the construction of the globes of these years is altogether wanting. The dedications in the several reprints or editions vary, as do many of the inscriptions, while the large size of the globes remains practically the same. One cannot feel certain that a date, apparently given as the year of construction, is accurate, since it is very evident in the several reprints care was not always given to this detail.
The first issue of his large terrestrial globes seems to date from the year 1622, though the suggestion is not wanting that he had actually completed the celestial globe before the close of the year 1616.
With but slight variation in the form of the expression, we find on all examples of his largest globes the inscription “Amstelredami. Excusum in aedibus auctoris ...,” indicating at least that the printing was done in the author’sAmsterdam workshop. All have a diameter of about 68 cm., though the mountings of the several known examples differ somewhat.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a fine example of the terrestrial globe, dated 1622 (Fig.95). The ball is formed of papier-mâché, having over its surface a thin coating of plaster made perfectly smooth and shellacked to receive the thirty-six engraved gores, or twice eighteen half gores, and the usual circular polar caps. It is well preserved, considering its great size and its age, though somewhat injured in the region of the western Mediterranean, in the East Indian Islands, in West Africa, in South America, and in parts of the Pacific Ocean. It is furnished with an elaborate wooden base, a considerable part of which appears to have been added subsequent to that constituting the main support, a horizon circle of wood, and a meridian circle of brass. The map is a fine example of the work done in the Netherlands by the copper engravers and printers of the period, in particular of the work which issued from the Blaeu press. Continental outlines are well drawn, lands and seas are crowded with geographical records, including individual names and legends. Very artistically designed ships sail the oceans singly or in fleets, and compass lines as well as loxodromic lines are very numerous, radiating from centers distributed over the surface of the map. Much of the original color which had been artistically applied by hand still remains, particularly on the southern hemisphere, which has been less exposed to the light and to careless handling. The author and date legend placed near the south pole in an artistic cartouch reads, “In ista quam exibimus, terreni globi descriptione omnium regionum juxta et insularum, quotquot hacetnus a nostris Argonautis, vel etiam ab aliarum gentium Naucleris visae et notatae, loca in suo secundum longitudinem et latitudinem situ, summa sedulitate et industria disposita invenies, quae res non solum Geographiae studiosis jocunda, verum etiam iis, qui terras longe dissitas et sub aliosole calentes frequentent, maxime utilis futura est. In quorum gratiam etiam rhombus nauticos (ita vocantur Helices lineae secundum ventorum plagus delineatae) quam accuratissime expressimus. Hunc igitur laborem nostrum ut tam Gratis animis accipiatis, quanta sedulitate a nobis est obitus, ex aequo omnes rogatos volo. Guiljelmus Caesius Auctor. Anno CICICCCXXII.” “In this terrestrial globe, which we here present, you will find all the regions and islands as far as they have been seen, up to the present, and marked by our navigators, or have been seen and marked by the navigators of other nations, placed in their own proper position of longitude and latitude, with the greatest care and industry, which not only will be a source of pleasure to the students of geography but also of the greatest utility to those who visit far distant shores, which are warmed by another sun. And for their benefit we have also inserted the nautical rhombs (for so are designated the lines which show the direction of the winds). This labor of ours I hope and pray you will accept with as much gratitude as we have bestowed care upon it. Willem Caesius. In the year 1622.” A citation of all legends which the author has placed on his map would indeed fill many pages, and but few of these are here quoted.
Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
Fig. 95. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
In the southern hemisphere, and particularly conspicuous by reason of the artistic cartouch in which it is placed, we find a reference to the question of the proper location of the prime meridian,40somewhat lengthy but quoted here in full. “Quamvis longitudinis initium arbitrarium esset, ab occasu tamen ejus auspicium facere ideo veteribus placuit quod illic aliquis terrae limen esset, qui ortum versus nullis expeditionibus deprehendi potuisset. Atque eam ob causam Ptolemaeus (cujus sedulitati et industriae Geographiae incolumitatem omnes, vel inviti, debent) ab ultimo termino occidentis cognito, quae Insulae in Atlantico Mari Fortunatae dictae sunt, auspicium fecit in eisque primum Meridianum defixit: quod theticum principium deinceps fere omnes ejusauctoritate moti retinuerunt. Interim hoc seculo nonnulli hoc principium ex ipsa natura eruendum censuere. Qua in re acus Magneti junctae indicium sequendum sibi sumpserunt, eumque primum Meridianum statuunt quo in loco ea Boream spectat Quos plane allucinari addita illa Magneti vis convincit, penes quem nullum longitudinis arbitrium sit, cum is ipse sub eodem meridiano varium habeat enclisin prout huic aut illi continenti vicinus fuerit. Sed et illi ipsi qui ita sentiunt, ob instabile magnetis indicium, in primo Meridiano, multum inter se dissentiunt. Quamobrem ut summo Geographiae commodo, certus aliquis Meridianus tamquam primum principium servari et retineri possit, Ptolemaei vestigiis insistentes, easdem Insulas, et iis Junonem, quae Teneriffa vulgo creditur, delegimus, cujus excelsa illa et praerupta petra, perpetuis nebulis obsessa, Indigenis El Pico dicta, primi Meridiani terminus esto. Qua in re ab Arabum longitudinibus (qui extrema Africae littora versus occidentem delegerunt), vix unius gradus quadrante abimus diversi: quod quoque monuisse operae pretium putavi.” “Although the beginning of longitude is arbitrarily selected nevertheless it pleased the ancients to begin the counting of it from the west, because there was the limit of the earth, as some thought, while no expedition to the east was able to determine this. Therefore Ptolemy, to whose application and industry all men, even though unwilling to admit it, owe the preservation of geography (geographical science), made the location (of the beginning of longitude) in the farthest known limit of the west, which is called the Fortunate Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, and in them he fixed the first meridian. This hypothetical beginning, almost all who came after him retained because of his influence. But in our century there are some who have said that this beginning should be taken from nature herself, and in this matter they have taken the indication of the magnetic needle as their guide, and fix the first meridian in that place in which the needle points to the true north: That this is clearly anerror is proved by this additional (and peculiar) property of the magnetic needle, that on the same meridian it has a variation according as it is near to this or that continent. But the very men who think this, on account of the uncertainty of the variation, disagree much among themselves as to where the first meridian is to be located, and so for the highest good of geography, that this same fixed meridian as a first beginning may be marked and be retained, we ourselves, following in the steps of Ptolemy, have chosen the same islands as he, and from their number that one which is called Juno, or commonly Tenerif; of these (islands) that high and steep rock beset by perpetual clouds and called by the natives El Pico, shall for us be the location of the first meridian. In this matter, from the longitude of the Arabs, who selected the shore of Africa farthest toward the west, we vary scarcely the fourth part of a degree, and this I thought worthy to be noted.”
There is a brief but important legend near the Strait of Magellan reading, “Fretum Magellanicum, sic dictum a Ferdinando Magellano Lusitano, qui omnium primus id aperuit atque emensus est, anno 1520, Franciscus Draach et Thomas Candish, uterque anglus Fretum emensi sunt, ille anno 1579, hic anno 1587. Oliverius van Noorth et Georgius Speilbergius, uterque Belga annis 1600 et 1615.” “The Strait of Magellan, so called by Ferdinand Magellan a Portuguese who was the first to discover it and to sail through it in the year 1520, Francis Drake and Thomas Candish, both Englishmen, sailed through the strait, the one in the year 1579, the other in the year 1587. Oliver van Noort and George Spilbergen, both Belgians in the years 1600 and 1615.” Near the last-quoted legend we find “Fretum Le Maire a Wilhem Scouten Hernano et Jacobo Le Maire per eum inventum et lustratum Ao1616.” “The Strait of Le Maire discovered and surveyed by Wilhem Scouten and Jacob Le Maire in the year 1616.” To the northwest in the Pacific we find “Magellanus ad insulas hasdelatus, cum in iis nec hominum ulla vestigia, nec quicquam humano usui opportunum invenisset, Infortunatus nuncupavit.” “Magellan came to these islands and finding in them no trace of man nor of anything suitable for human use called them the Unfortunate Islands.” Near New Guinea is the information recorded “Novissime detecta et lustrata est a Wilhelmo Scouten anno 1616.” “Very recently discovered and surveyed by Wilhelm Scouten in the year 1616.”
In the far north is a reference to the attempts made by numerous explorers to find a passage to the east by way of the north, reading, “Quemadmondum post apertum a Lusitanis iter illud ad regiones orientales, quod Promontorium Bonae Spei navigantes circumducit non defuere qui et ante Ferdinandum Magellanum, breviorem aliquam per Septentrionem Cauriumque ad easdem illas regiones opulentissimas ac toto orbe decantatus, Moluccas, indagarent viam: et nominatim quidem anno jam tum 1500, duobusque seqq. Gaspar et Michael Cortereales, fratres lusitani, et post eos anno 1507, Sebastianus Cabotus venetus: ita et post superatum jam a praedicto Magellano Fretum, quod de ejus nomine Magellanicum dicitur, extitere celebres aliquot praestantes naucleri, qui ne codem quidem itinere contenti, tum per easdem regiones septentrionales Caurique tractus, tum per Aquilonaria quoque Moscoviae Tartariaeque littora, idem tentaverint. Tales, ut alios nunc omittam, fruere anno 1553 Hugo Willoughbeus, Eques anglus, annis 1576 et 77 Martinus Forbisherus, et annis 1585, 86, 87 Ioannes Davisuis, uterque itidem anglus, item Guilijelmus Bernard et Ioannes Hugo Linschotanus, Batavi, annis 1594, 95 et 96. Quibus omnibus etsi, post incredibiles exantlatos labores, conatus non successissent, non destitere tamen Henricus Hudsonus, et ipse anglus ac post eum Batavi quidam Amsteredami emissi, eandem terram (quod dici solet) reciprocare. Is Hudsonus anno 1611, superato, ad Americae borealis oras, sub latitudinis 61, 62 et 63 gradu, ut indicat globus noster, praelongo freto, in exitu ejus engens ac late diffusum,invenit pelagus: cujus quidem detectio, multis spem addidit fore ut tandem inibi transitus aliquis inveniatur. Utrum vero huic spei eventus sit responsurus, propediem, quod vovemus, ipsum tempus ostendet.” “When the way had been opened by the Portuguese to the eastern regions which led the navigators round the Cape of Good Hope, there were some who said there was a way, even before Ferdinand Magellan, a shorter way by the north and the northwest to those opulent and world famous regions, the Moluccas. To name these, in 1500, the two brothers Miguel and Gaspar Cortereal, and after them in the year 1507 Sebastian Cabot a Venetian, and after the Strait had been navigated by the aforesaid Magellan, which is called the Strait of Magellan after him, there were certain famous and excellent navigators who, not content with a knowledge of this passage, attempted another both by the same northern and northwestern route and by the northern coasts of Moscovie and Tartary, among these, to omit others for the present, there were in the year 1553 Hugo Willoughby an English Knight: in the years 1576 and 1577 Martin Frobisher: in the years 1585, 86, 87 John Davis, both of the last named being Englishmen: also William Bernard and John Hugo Linschoten, Dutchmen, in the years 1594, 95, 96. Although none of these attempts, in spite of the Herculean labors, were successful, nevertheless Henry Hudson, himself an Englishman, and after him certain Dutchmen sent from Amsterdam, did not give up the attempts to find that land, as it was called. Hudson himself, in the year 1611, having navigated along the shore of North America in latitudes 61, 62, and 63, as our globe indicates, a very long inlet at its farthest extremity discovered an immense and far-stretching sea, the discovery of which gave hope to many that at last some outlet would be found therein. Whether the event would answer to this hope, and we pray it may, only time will tell.”41Somewhat nearer the pole we read “Anno 1594 et seqq. Illm̄orum D. D. Ordinum Foederatorum, anno vero1596 AmplismiSenatus Amsterodamensis jussu atque auspiciis. Fortissimus Archithelassus Iacobus Heelmsterchius et cum eo pertissimus navarcha Guilijelmus Bernard filius uterque civis Amsterodamensis viam per Septentrionem ad regna Cathayae et Chinae indagaturi, cum littora Novae Zemlae usque ad gradum latitudinis 78 perlustrassent, neque immensis e glacie coacervatis montibus impedito, ulterius possent tendere, tertio postremoque itinere, quo loco casam a nobis expressam vides, hibernare coacti sunt.” “In the year 1594 and the following years, by the command and under the auspices of the illustrious Lords of the United Netherlands, and in the year 1596, under the auspices of the distinguished Senate of Amsterdam, the brave sea captain Jacob Heelmstrech, and with him the skilful navigator William Bernard’s son, both citizens of Amsterdam, sought passage by the north to the regions of Cathay and China. When they had passed the shore of Nova Zembla to latitude 78, without being stopped by the immense mountains of ice, and could have gone further, on this third and last journey they were compelled to pass the winter at the spot where you see a hut depicted by us.” In addition to the above legends we find such as “Hic anno 1611 H. Hudson hibernavit.” “Here in the year 1611 Henry Hudson passed the winter.” “Huc usque processit H. Hudson anno 1612.” “As far as this Henry Hudson came in the year 1612.” In the western part of North America, that is, in “Nova Albion,” there is a legend referring to the expedition of Francis Drake, reading, “Hoc loco ad latitu. 42 grad. appulsus Franciscus Dracus in gentem incidit prorsus indolatricam, et quod merito quis miretur ipso adeo mense Junio prae frigoris quam acerrime saevientis vi coactus est, terram hanc Novae Albionis nomine a se decoratam deserere.” “In this place, at latitude 42° Francis Drake came upon a tribe wholly idolatrous and what is justly to be wondered at, in the month of June he was compelled by the violence of the cold thatraged here to desert this land of New Albion which he distinguished with its name.”42
The great inland sea appearing on the large world map of Jodocus Hondius of the year 1611 (Fig.96), and called “Mare Septentrionale Americae,” is here represented as “Lacus iste quantum ex accolis colligi potuit trecenta ut minimum miliaria in longitudinem pateat.” “This lake, as far as can be learned from the inhabitants, stretches at least three hundred miles in length.”43
Section of Jodocus Hondius World Map, 1611.
Fig. 96. Section of Jodocus Hondius World Map, 1611.
This representation is of particular interest in connection with a grant to the London Company, as expressed in its charter of the year 1609 wherein the jurisdiction of the company is defined as extending “In that part of America called Virginia, from the point of land called Cape or Point Comfort, all along the sea coast, to the northward two hundred miles, and from the said point of Cape Comfort, all along the sea coast to the southward, two hundred miles, and all that space and circuit of land, lying from the sea coast of the precinct aforesaid up into the land, throughout from sea to sea, west and northwest.”44It is of further interest to note that on this globe of Blaeu there appears for the first time on a dated map the representation of Manhattan as an island.
The Osservatorio Astronomico, located near Florence, possesses a fine pair of Blaeu’s large globes, the terrestrial being signed, at the conclusion of the address to the reader, “Guiljelmus Blaeu” instead of “Guiljelmus Caesius,” as on The Hispanic Society’s copy, although as on this copy the signature “Guiljelmus Caesius anno 1622” appears on the celestial globe. The dedications of these Florentine examples read, “Serenissimo Potentissimoque Principi Ferdinando Secondo Magno Etruriae Duci, Domino Suo Clementissimo. Suos hosce Coelestem et Orbis Terrarum Globos accuratius pleniusque quam hanctenus descriptos editosque L. M. D. C. Q. Humillimus Cliens Guilielmus Blaeuw.” “To the Most Serene, Most Powerful Prince Ferdinand II, Princeof Etruria, his Most Clement Lord, these globes, both celestial and terrestrial, more carefully and more accurately depicted and edited than has been done previously, Willem Blaeu His Most humble client dedicates and consecrates.” It may here be noted that Ferdinand II was of the house of Medici and that he came to the throne in the year 1621.
A pair of Blaeu’s globes of 1622, signed “Guiljelmus Caesius,” belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Palermo, reported to be without mountings and otherwise in bad condition. Most of the terrestrial globe map is missing but there remains enough of each to determine their original likeness to the preceding pair.
In the archaeological section of the Biblioteca Gambalunghiana of Rimini there may be found a well-preserved pair, each dated 1622.
A terrestrial globe dated 1622, and a celestial clearly intended as its companion but dated 1616 and signed “Guilielmus Janssonius,” belong to the Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome. If correctly dated it is evident that Blaeu completed his work on this globe of large size in the same year that he completed his work on the smallest of all his globes, to which attention has been called above. These examples are in a fair state of preservation, having each a base consisting of a single column supported on the backs of two satyrs who are seated with hands upraised.
A pair of these globes of 1622 may be found in the Museo Civico of Venice with dedication differing from those which have been previously noted. On these globes we read, “Serenissimo Potentissimo Gustavo II ejus nomine Suedorum Gothorum, Vandalorum Regi et Principi hereditario, Magno Duci Finlandiae, Estmanniae, Westmanniaeque Domino Suo Clementissimo, Suos hosce coelestem et Ordis Terrarum Globos accuratius pleniusque quam hactenus descriptos L. M. D. C. Q. Humillimus Cliens Guiljelmus Caesius.” “To the Most Serene and Most Powerful Gustavus II, King and Hereditary Prince of the Swedes, Goths,and Vandals, the Mighty Ruler of Finland, Eastmania and Westmania, his Most Clement Lord, these his celestial and terrestrial globes more accurately and fully depicted and edited than previously, Willem Caesius, his humble client dedicates and consecrates.”
A copy of the 1622 celestial globe, signed “Guilielmus Caesius,” belongs to the Stadtbibliothek of Nürnberg, and a copy of the same, dedicated to Gustavus II of Sweden, is in the possession of Reichsgraf Hans von Oppersdorf in Oberglogau.
Eleven additional pairs of Blaeu’s globes, reprints, and reissues, not all agreeing in details, but alike in their main features, have been located. These belong to the years 1622-1640, having only an occasional record or date in legend to indicate, though indefinitely, the year of construction. A very brief reference to these editions here follows.
A pair may be found in the Osservatorio Astronomico of Bologna, somewhat damaged by neglect and careless handling. It seems probable, though the records are imperfect, that these are the globes referred to in an old catalogue of the Specola Library, and that they have been in the observatory since its founding in the year 1724.45
The Royal Estense Library of Modena is in possession of a well-preserved pair of Blaeu’s large globes, as the librarian has kindly informed the author.46Each is supplied with an artistic wooden base, with a meridian and a horizon circle, the whole being about 79 cm. in height. Each is furnished with a domelike cover of pasteboard, over the outside of which, and crossing at right angles, are two bands of carved leaves, and in each of the four spaces thus formed is a decoration consisting of the lily of the Royal House of France. It appears not to be known how or when these globes came to the Estense Library; perhaps as a gift to a prince of the Ducal House of Este, from a member of the House of Orleans, or they were purchased perchance by an Estenseambassador once having residence in Holland, as has been suggested.
Other undated pairs of the 1622 and 1640 issues may be found in the Seminario Vescovile of Chioggia, in the Museo di Strumenti Antichi of Florence, in the Biblioteca Governativo of Lucca, in the Biblioteca Nazionale of Naples, in the Biblioteca Chigi of Rome (Fig.97), in the Collegio delle Scuole Pie of Savona, in the Liceo Marco Foscarini of Venice (Fig.98), in the Pinacoteca Quirini of Venice, and in the private library of Count Francesco Franco of Venice. A copy of the terrestrial only may be found in the Biblioteca Comunale of Como, in the Königl. Math. Phys. Salon in Dresden, in the Istituto Tecnico of Florence, in the Biblioteca delle Misione Urbane of Genoa, in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg, and a copy of the eighteen unmounted terrestrial globe gores, probably of the year 1647, in the British Museum. A copy of the celestial globe only may be found in the Biblioteca Civico of Aquila in the Königl. Math. Phys. Salon of Dresden, and one in the British Museum, which is reported, however, to have a diameter of only twenty-four inches.
Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
Fig. 97. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
Fig. 98. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, 1622.
Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
Fig. 98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
Fig. 98b. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
The Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome possesses four armillary spheres, all appearing to be of the early seventeenth century. A description of two of these, neither signed nor dated, it has not been possible to obtain; two are the work of J. Paolo Ferreri, the one constructed in the year 1602 according to the brief record “Jo. Paulus Ferrerius f. f. an. 1602,” and the other in the year 1624 being inscribed “Fcogio. Paulo Ferreri Ronoano 1624.” Professor Uzielli has given to the author the information that these are of brass, having each a graduated horizon circle supported by four half circles which in turn rest on a single brass column. Through this horizon circle passes an adjustable meridian circle 39 cm. in diameter, which is graduated and which supports other movable circles, such as the colures carrying the polar circles, the tropics, which are graduated, and the ecliptic,a broad band inclined 23½ degrees to the equator, likewise graduated and engraved with the names of the months and of the constellations of the zodiac. Within the circles of each of these spheres, placed at what may be called their common center, is a small solid sphere to serve as a representation of a terrestrial globe but without geographical details. There appear to be but slight differences in the construction of these two armillary spheres, the one of 1624 having certain circles which are slightly smaller than are the corresponding ones on that of earlier date. From the same source it is learned that the artist, Tito Lessi of Florence, possesses an armillary sphere signed and dated “Lud:sSem:sBon: Fac: A. D. MDCXII,” near which is a representation of a coat of arms with a dragon. The sphere is of brass, the diameter of its greatest circle being 63 cm. We know nothing of the Ludovico referred to as the maker, but who, as is noted, was a Bolognese. The same artist, as we are informed, likewise possesses another unsigned and undated armillary sphere which presumably is of the early seventeenth century.
Peter Plancius (1552-1622), a native of Drane-outer, West Flanders, is especially remembered as a militant theologian (Fig.99) and as one of the most influential men active in the shaping of the colonial policy of the States of the Netherlands in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. His was indeed a stormy career wherein it touched the Reformation movements. In early life a monk, he later became an ardent reformer supporting the Calvinistic faith. After passing some years in Germany and in England in study, he became, in the year 1578, a pastor in the city of Brussels. When persecution threatened him, he fled, in the year 1585, to Amsterdam, where he again became a pastor, exerting for many years a far-reaching influence in matters touching the relations of the reform movements and the state. Plancius, however, was not only learned in matters theological, he was interested, as stated above, in Dutchcolonial enterprise, was a geographer, and a map and globe maker of great distinction. He in part planned and actively supported the Dutch expeditions of Barents, Hemskerken, Linschoten, and Le Maire, who undertook to find new routes to the Indies, both East and West. He assisted in the organization of the East India Company, which company made large contributions to the commercial prosperity of the Netherlands.47He was instrumental, with his countryman, William Usselinx, and others, in organizing the West India Company.48He took an active part in the planting of New Amsterdam in the New World, and in the establishment of Batavia in Java. He was counselor for twenty-five years in practically all matters pertaining to the welfare of the peoples of the Netherlands.
Portrait of Peter Plancius.
Fig. 99. Portrait of Peter Plancius.
As map maker Plancius appears to have begun his activities shortly after taking up a residence in Amsterdam. His great world map in two hemispheres, one of his first productions, and one which may in part have served Blaeu and Hondius in the preparation of their masterpieces, of the years 1605 and 1611, respectively, was issued in the year 1592, a unique copy of which belongs to the Collegio del Corpus Christi of Valencia.49This map, bearing the title “Nova et exacta terrarum orbis tabula geographica ac hydrographica,” is composed of eighteen sheets, which, when joined, give a world map measuring 146 by 233 cm. Blundeville makes interesting reference to this map under the following caption: “A Plaine and full Description of Petrus Plancius his vniuersall Mappe, seruing both for Sea and Land, and by him lately put forth in the yeere of our Lord 1592. In which Mappe are set downe many more places, as well of both the Indies, as Afrique, together with their true Longitudes and Latitudes, than are to be found either in Mercator his Mappe, or in any other Moderne Mappe whatsoeuer: And this Mappe doth show what Riches, Power, or Commodities, as what kind of Beasts both wild and tame, what Plants, Fruits, or Mines any Region hath, and whatkinds of Merchandize do come from euery Region. Also the diuers Qualities and Manners of the People, and to whom they are subiect. Also who be the most mightie and greatest Princes of the World: A Mappe meet to adorne the House of any Gentleman or Merchant, that delighteth in Geographie: and herewith this Booke is also meete to be bought, for that it plainely expoundeth euery thing contained in the said Mappe.”50Blundeville notes further that Plancius drew another map of the whole earth in two hemispheres, employing the polar projection. He does not give the date of this map, but it presumably was issued shortly after that of 1592. A Plancius world map in two hemispheres, bearing title “Orbis terrarum typus de integro multis in locis amendatus, auctore Petro Plancio 1594,” appears in the account of Linschoten’s expedition of 1599.51It is a well-drawn map, containing much valuable geographical data. Like Mercator, Hondius, and Blaeu, Plancius also undertook the construction of globes. Of these the oldest known appears to have been begun as early as the year 1612, the date appearing in the following dedication, “Nobilissimis Amplissimis Consultissimis ac Prudentissimis Dominis Consulariis Thalassiarchis atque Thalatto Oratoribus Hollandiae Zelandiae et Frisiae occidentalis nec non Magnificis ac Clarissimis Dominis Consulibus praeclarissimi Emporii Amstelodami, Petrus Kaerius humillimus cliens L. M. Q. dat, dicat, dedicat. Anno 1612.” “To the Most Noble, Exalted, Learned and Prudent Consular Lords and Orators Maritime of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland, also to the Great and Distinguished Lords Counselors of the Renowned Emporium of Amsterdam, Peter Kaerius their humble client gives and dedicates (this globe). In the year 1612.” Below the legend is engraved “Petrus Kaerius excudit ann. 1614,” the date here given clearly indicating the year of issue. Not far from the dedicatory legend appears the following: “Ipsa experientia peritos Naucleros docuit volubiles libellas magnetis virtute infectas in Insulis Corvi et FlorumMundi polos recte respicere: idcirco ibi, taquam a communi Mundi Magn. Meridiano Logitud. justis de causis initum sumunt Petrus Kaerius et Abrahamus Goos patrueles sculptores.” “Experience itself has taught skilful mariners that loose leaves when under the electrical influence, in the islands of Corvo and Flores, turn directly toward the poles of the world, and for this reason it is here, as a common magnetic meridian of the world, that Peter Kaerius and Abraham Goos his cousin, engravers, locate with reason the beginning of longitude.” The customary address to the reader, though here not so designated, reads, “In hujus nostri Globi delineatione ubique castigatissimas Tabulas Hydrographicas ac Geographicas sequuti sumus, quibus Germani, Hispani, Galli, Itali, Angli, Scoti, Dani, Norvegi, Suedi nec non et navigationibus utuntur: ad quae omnia comparanda nulli nec labori nec sumptui pepercimus: ventorum quoque regimmes ad usum navigantium admussim accomodavimus: quemadmodum artis periti, proprius inspiciendo, reperient. Vale ac frere. Petrus Plancius.” “In the delineation of this our globe, we have everywhere followed the most correct hydrographic and geographic tables which the Germans, Spaniards, French, Italians, English, Scotch, Danes, Norwegians and Swedes use in their voyages. In doing this we have spared no labor nor expense. The directions of the winds (loxodromic lines) we have laid down with great exactness for the use of sailors, as those experienced in navigation will see on close inspection. Farewell and be happy. Peter Plancius.” This gives us definitely to understand that this terrestrial globe was the work of Plancius.
The sphere is covered with a world map engraved on twelve gores, truncated at latitude 70 degrees, the polar spaces being covered by the usual circular discs, each having in this case a radius of twenty degrees.
On his celestial globe, probably issued at the same time as the terrestrial just referred to, and intended as a companion of the same, having the same dimensions, we findthe following legend: “In hac coelesti sphaera stellae affixae majore quam hactenus numero ac accuratiore industria delineantur. Novos Asterismos in philomathēom gratiam de integro addidi: quae omnia secundum Astronomorum Principis Tychonis Brahe, ac meam observationem verae suae Longitudinis ac Latitudinis ad annum Christi 1615 restitui. Petrus Plancius.” “In this celestial sphere the fixed stars to a greater number than previously and with more exactness are depicted. I have added for the use of the student some entirely new star readings according to the prince of astronomers Tycho Brahe, and also my own observations of their true latitude and longitude adapting these to the year of Christ 1615. Peter Plancius.” It then will be noted that the position of the stars located thereon is computed to the year 1615. In the southern hemisphere is a portrait of Tycho Brahe with the inscription “D. Tyco Brahe Summ. Mathematic,” below which is the legend “Tabula continens quantum quovis proposito anno vel addendum vel demendum sit Lōgitudini affixarum: nam hae 70 annorum et 5 mensis spacio unicum gradū secundū signorū ordinē, super Pol. Zod. progrediuntur.” “Table indicating how much for any given year is to be added to or to be subtracted from the longitude of the fixed stars. For these in the space of 70 years and 5 months move one degree reckoned on the signs of the zodiac.” But one pair of Plancius’ globes can now be located, this pair having been acquired a few years since for the Museo Astronomico of Rome (Fig.100). They are reported to be in excellent condition. The spheres are of wood covered with plaster, having a diameter of about 21 cm., upon which the gores have been pasted. Wind roses are numerous, from which the usual direction or loxodromic lines radiate. Ships and sea monsters add to the decoration of the terrestrial globe map, and the figures of the several constellations have been artistically drawn. Each globe is furnished with a wooden base, having its horizon circle supported by four columns which are joined below by crossbars.Each has a brass meridian circle within which the globe is adjusted to revolve.
Terrestrial Globe of Peter Plancius, 1614.
Fig. 100. Terrestrial Globe of Peter Plancius, 1614.
Fiorini reports information received from Gabriel Marcel of the Bibliothèque Nationale and Captain F. v. Ortroy that there may be found in the Stein Museum of Antwerp a terrestrial globe of copper, neither signed nor dated, but which is thought to be the work of Peter Plancius.52Additional information concerning this globe has not been obtainable.
Isaac Habrecht (1589-1633), physician and mathematician, was a native of Strassburg, where he passed the greater part of his life.53Incidental references to him assure that he was regarded in his day as a man of much ability. Among his publications, not numerous but scholarly, reference here may be made to his ‘Tractatum de planiglobio coelesti & terrestri,’ issued in Latin in the year 1628, and again in the year 1666 in both Latin and German, by Johann Christoph Sturm of Nürnberg.54In this work Habrecht describes his terrestrial and celestial globes, constructed, it appears, a few years previous to the issue of the publication.
The Hispanic Society of America possesses a fine example of what appears to be his first terrestrial globe (Fig.101). It is undated, but internal evidence assures us that it was not constructed prior to the year 1612. Near the Arctic circle and north of the representation of Hudson’s Bay we read “Huc usque retrocesserunt Amstelodamenses anno 1612.” “At this point the Amsterdam (explorers) turned about in the year 1612.” His first celestial globe, referred to below, seems clearly to be of the year 1619, and there is reason for placing his first terrestrial globe in the same year, since, in their size, and in many of their general features there is agreement. The globe ball of wood has a diameter of 20 cm. Its horizon circle, which has pasted on its upper surface the usual information relative to the names of the months, to the principal directions, and to the signs of the zodiac, is supported by four turned legs joined below bycrossing bars, these bars in turn supporting a carved circular disc with a raised center through a slot in which the meridian circle is made to pass. The whole is indeed a remarkably well-preserved example of Habrecht’s work.
Terrestrial Globe of Isaac Habrecht, 1625.
Fig. 101. Terrestrial Globe of Isaac Habrecht, 1625.
In an artistic cartouch to the south of the East Indian Islands and within “Terra Australis” is the following signed dedication: “Perillustri et Generossissimo DnoDnoEberardo Dynaste in Rappolstein. Hohenaccio et Geroltzeccio ad Vogasinum Divi Mathiae II Imp. nec non Sereniss. Maximiliani Archiducis Austriae. P. M. Camerario et Citeriorum Ordinum Provincialium Praesidi Magnifico: ex antiqua Ducā Spoleti familia oriundo: Domino meo ClementissioTriplicem hunc globum: Coelestem scilicet: convexum et concavum et hunc terrestrem novissimae editionis et correctionis. D. D. D. Isaacus Habrect Phil. et med. d. Argentinensis.” “To the Most Illustrious and Most Generous Lord Eberhardt Ruler in Ruppelstein, Hohenau and Geroldseck in the Vosges, Divine Emperor Matties II and also the Most Serene Maximilian Archduke of Austria, the Exalted President of the Provincial Orders of the Cameria, and those on this side of the mountains, sprung from the Ancient Ducal Family of Spoleto, my Most Gracious Lord, this triple globe, that is celestial, convex and concave terrestrial, corrected according to the latest information, gives and dedicates Isaac Habrecht, philosopher and physician of Strassburg.” In the northern part of North America is a legend referring to the expeditions of Davis, Schouten, and Le Maire reading, “Versus Articum polum ulterior transgressus hactenus ab Herculis licet Davis Angli labore id examinatus fuerit sicut et circa antarcticum fretum noviter a Guilielmo Schout detectum Le Maire nuncupatum extremus adhuc navigationum est terminus. Quamvis nullus dubitet maxima totius orbis magnalia sub polis delitescere quorum detectionem forsitan summus Deus suo tempore reservat. Typis Jacop. ab Heyden Argentinae.” “Toward the Arctic pole the last voyage up to the present was made, withHerculean labors, by Davis an Englishman. Around the Antarctic a strait has lately been discovered by William Schouten and named Le Maire, and this, up to the present, is the extreme limit of navigation, although no one doubts that the greatest wonders of all the world lie hidden under the poles, the discovery of which, it may be that Almighty God reserves for his own time. Printed by Jacob von Heyden of Strassburg.” It is probable that the Jacob von Heyden here referred to was a relative of Christian Heyden of Nürnberg, mathematician and globe maker of renown.55Below the legend last quoted is a brief one reading, “America septentrionalis a Christoforo Colombo 1492 detecta.” “North America discovered by Christopher Columbus in the year 1492.” This appears to have been quoted from the Hondius globe of the year 1618. The austral continent is referred to as “Terra Australis incognita,” and near New Guinea is inscribed the following, likewise quoted from Hondius: “Sic dicta quod ejus littora locorūqȝ Guineae Affricanae multum sint similia. Dicitur a nonnullis Terra de Piccinaculi; et sit ne insula an pars continentis Australis incertum est.” “So called because its shores are much like those of African Guinea. It is called by some the land of Piccinaculi: and it is uncertain whether it is an island or a part of the Australian continent.”
A considerable number of brief legends appear upon different parts of the globe map, each having a local significance. In coloring the map attention was given to the representation of territorial boundaries which gives an added interest to the globe. The “Meridianus Primus” is made to pass through the Island of Corvo, and other meridians are drawn at intervals of ten degrees. The loxodromic lines, as on the Hondius globes, are made a conspicuous feature of the map, having their crossing centers at longitudes 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° on the equator, and on the prime meridian at latitude 35° both north and south, as well as at the same latitude on the opposite side of the sphere, where the primemeridian becomes the meridian of 180°. Habrecht appears to have followed somewhat closely the globes of Hondius for his geographical data.
In addition to the Habrecht terrestrial globe in The Hispanic Society’s collection, two other copies are known, which likewise are undated. One of these belongs to the Biblioteca Comunale of Sondrio, and the other to the Archivo Municipale of Asti.
Of the celestial globes of Habrecht four copies have been located; one being in the Biblioteca Comunale of Sondrio, in a good state of preservation; one in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum of Nürnberg, wanting, however, the original mounting, having its map engraved, as stated in a legend, by Jacob von Heyden et Johann Christoph Weigel; one in the Biblioteca Comunale of Asti; one in the Royal Museum of Cassel.
It is strikingly evident that Habrecht followed in the main the work of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, and Jodocus Hondius for his celestial globes. As the year 1619 was selected as the one in which star positions were to be recorded, it is probable, as intimated above, that these globes were constructed in that year. Each of the globes referred to is reported as retaining the brilliant coloring which had been laid on by hand.
Garcia de Céspedes, writing in 1606,56calls attention to a globe, concerning which nothing farther is known, referring to it as a “Globillo que hizo en Portugal aquel grau Piloto que se emborrachana cuyo nombre no me acuerdo.” “A small globe constructed in Portugal by a great pilot, whose name is unknown, but who was a great drunkard.”
In the year 1893 Baron Nordenskiöld presented to the Royal Geographical Society a facsimile in gores of a globe map, which fact is noted in that society’s Journal. The globe is one of silver, bearing the author and date legend “Johann Hauer. 1620.” The record tells of its having been presented in the year 1632 to Gustavus Adolphus and thatit is now one of the treasures of the National Museum of Stockholm. The engraved map is of the Hondius or the Mercator type presenting in the main the best geographical knowledge of the time. Its many legends are in the Latin language; the lettering, though small, is easily legible. The engraver has adorned the seas with ships and with such marine animals as are frequently to be found in the maps of the period.57
It has been previously noted that the employment of engraved gore maps in globe construction was not received with general favor in Italy in the sixteenth century, although Mercator’s globes were copied to some extent, as were those of De Mongenet. Toward the close of the century, the preference for manuscript globes, or for engraved bronze or copper globes seems gradually to have yielded to a belief in the more practical method of construction which had established itself in the North. Originality, however, does not appear to have been a striking feature of Italian endeavor in this method of globe making. There was an occasional manifestation of independence and individuality, it is true, but in general there was a disposition to copy, and the early seventeenth century furnishes us an example in the reissue by Giuseppe de Rossi of the work of Jodocus Hondius, but without credit, as has been previously observed.
Among those who attained distinction in Italy in the first half of the seventeenth century in the construction of globes having engraved gore maps, may be named Mattheus Greuter. He was born in Strassburg in the year 1556, where he learned designing and engraving. In early life he went to Lyons in France where he carried on his work, but later he removed to Avignon, adding to his art in this city that of type cutting. We next find him in Rome, busily engaged in the work of engraving, in which he had become exceedingly proficient, winning for himself a high place among the Italian artists of his day. Map engraving, we learn, early claimed his attention, and among his masterpieces in thisfield may be mentioned a large map of Italy. Of this work no copy is at present known, but it is thought that it probably served Magini as a model for his “Italia” which was published in the year 1620. It could not have been long after he had taken up his residence in Rome, where he became a naturalized citizen, that he began the preparation of his first terrestrial globe, which he issued in the year 1632. So well did he perform his work that he is entitled to rank with the leading globe makers of the Netherlands.
An excellent example of this first issue may be found in the Museum of The Hispanic Society of America (Fig.102), this being one of the most valuable in its large collection. It has a diameter of 50 cm., and is mounted on a wooden base having four feet, which, though evidently very old, is clearly not the original base. It is furnished with a narrow wooden horizon circle which is not graduated, and the calendar and other representations, which one usually finds pasted on this circle in early globes, are entirely wanting. The meridian circle of iron, likewise, is not graduated, and like the wooden base is not a part of the original mounting. The sphere itself is remarkably well preserved, there being scarcely a noticeable injury to its surface save the slight discoloration of age. The engraved gore map covering the papier-mâché ball, which is of very light construction, is composed of twelve sections, or rather of twenty-four, since each of the sections is cut at the equator, and the poles are covered with small circular discs.