The map from the Universal Globe series shows the geographical knowledge of the 17th and 18th centuries. It draws on the work of the contemporary Dutch cartographers, who relied on reports from explorers such as Barents, Le Maire, Tasman and Roggeveen.
Other cartographies originating from the same period supplement the map with distant and at that time only vaguely known places, such as a large part of the Tartar Empire, the North American sub-polar region and the east coast of Australia. The "terra incognita" of the Arctic and Antarctica are shaded.
Zoffoli has retained the usual use of the Latin names, since they are a common characteristic of the different cartographies. The drawings reflect the usual ornamental and mythological themes of the time. The sailing ships depicted are copies of those ships that practically demonstrated that the earth was round. A globe is the only form in which this geographical three-dimensionality can be made comprehensible to the human eye.
Similar image: Decorative items not included
