Orbis Terrarum Typus De Integro In Plurimis Emendatus, Auctus, Et Icunculis Illustratus;

This was the first map to be inserted in a Dutch bible by Nicholas Visscher and became the protoype for others and was one of the earliest world maps to show the discoveries made by Abel Tasman’s on his first voyage. In the corners, the four continents are shown in allegorical form with examples of their animal life and inhabitants. Two celestial spheres and two spherical maps are also added.

Australia is shown with the discoveries made by Tasman on his first voyage 1642-3 only. Earlier Dutch discoveries are noted and these include: Hartog 1616, Houtman 1619, van Leeuwin 1622, Cartensz 1623, Nuyts 1627 and de Wit 1628. The earliest Dutch discovery of the Australian coast by Willem Jansz in 1606 on Cape York Peninsula is not shown. The VOC, in having sent Tasman, 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 of the Australian continent other than the updating of existing charts. The post-Tasman shape of Australia depicted on maps was to remain unchanged until James Cook discovered and charted the east coast in 1770.

References: Poortman 130. ill.p.196, Shirley 431, pl 318.