Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula, ex officina F.de Wit.

De Wit’s fine, maritime double hemisphere world map, is one of the best examples of the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking.

The four spheres surrounding the double hemispheres, were etched by Romeyn de Hooghe giving a sensitivity to the illustrations that would not have been possible with the usual engraved process. In each corner are large allegorical scenes representing the four elements: Fire is represented by war and the figure of the three-headed dog Cerberus, guardian of  Hades, suggests the release of destructive forces into the world, Air by Gods in the heavens against the background of the revolving Zodiac, Earth by harvesting and husbandry, Water by ships on a calm sea and a spouting whale. There are groups of figures situated between the hemispheres and above and below the two smaller polar maps. 

Australia is shown with the discoveries made by Tasman on his first and second voyages 1642-1644. The VOC, having sent Tasman on two voyages (not only to chart the South Land but importantly to make contact with the natives and to engage in trade), were disappointed with the lack of trading opportunities present in the barren and inhospitable land. Consequently the VOC lost interest in further charting the Australian continent, other than for the updating of existing charts for navigational purposes. The post-Tasman shape of Australia depicted on maps was to remain unchanged until James Cook’s discovery and charting of the east coast in 1769-1770.

California is shown as an island and its north coast flattened.

De Wit’s Zee atlases are rarely dated but they usually include this map which is described in the printed index of maps under the title Orbis Maritimus.

References:

Koemen Vol IV, p.519, M.Wit 2 (1), Shirley 444, Ill.327 p.461, Whitfield p.94, ill.95.