Tab. X. Asiae, Complectens Indiam intra Gangem

Circa 1695

Later hand-coloured copper engraving on paper

14 x 18.5 in (35.4 x 47.2 cm)

A superb hand-colored example of Mercator's Ptolemaic map of much of India, first issued in the 1578 edition of Mercator's Geographia, based upon the works of Claudius Ptolemy and after, with editions issued as late as 1730.

Mercator’s enduring contribution to cartography is the term “atlas”, which was first used to describe his collection of maps gathered in one volume. Apart from the creation and popularization of a projection which now bears his name. On Mercator projection maps, all parallels and meridians are drawn at right angles to each other, with the distance between the parallels extending towards the poles. This allowed for accurate latitude and longitude calculation and also allowed navigational routes to be drawn using straight lines, a huge advantage for sailors as this allowed them to plot courses without constant recourse to adjusting compass readings.

Mercator’s life works was a corrected and improved edition of maps based upon the work of Claudius Ptolemy. His interpretation of the 28 Ptolemaic text was possibly one of the truest undertaken up until that time. He had spent 13 years researching, drawing and engraving the maps at much commercial sacrifice to himself, having seen Orteliu's Theatrum and De Jodes Speculum published, to become both technical and commercial successes. In later life he devoted himself to his edition of the maps in Ptolemy's Geographia, reproduced in his own engraving as nearly as possible in their original form". (Source: antiquarius.it, online)

This map presents the Ptolemaic view of India. The Himalayan Mountains stretch across the top of the map and the Indus and Ganges River systems are well delineated. However, the subcontinent is considerably shortened and lacks nearly the entire southern part of India. The northern tip of Taprobana (Sri Lanka) appears at bottom.

This work will be shipped unframed

NON-EXPORTABLE