Europae Orbis Christiani Domina 1699

Rare c.18th century hand coloured engraved mapof Europe by Heinrich Scherer and extending to include Iceland and the eastern coast of Greenland.

The map features an elaborate decorative title cartouche comprised of several symbolic elements that emphasize the religious and political themes of the Jesuit cartographer. The woman illustrated in the cartouche represents the triumph and authority of the Catholic Church and by placing her on a throne or a globe, Scherer uses a classic Baroque “queen” motif to suggest that Europe was the spiritual and intellectual centre of the world. The map also features illustrations of galleon or carrack vessels used for trade and long-distance exploration.

From: Scherer, Atlas novus exhibens orbem terraqueum per naturae opera

References:
Sabin, J. A Dictionary of Books Relating to America, from its Discovery to the Present Time. New York. (1936) 1967 : 77606
Phillips, P. A List of Geographical Atlases in the Library of Congress. Washington 1973 : 3457-3462
Shirley, R. The Mapping of the World Early Printed World Maps 1472-1700. London 1987 : 626, ill.p. 619

Collections:
Biblioteca Nacional de España: 433677363