ARTIST: Franz Ritter
PUBLISHER: Published by Ritter in "Speculum Solis. . . ."
MEDIUM: Copper plate engraving,
DATE: 1610.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 11 1/4 x 13 7/8" (28.5 x 35.4 cm)
DESCRIPTION: A rare and extremely unusual map of the world.<br><br> This map shows the world projected from the North Pole as if it were the table of a sundial. Although at first glance it appears as if the landmasses are melting off the earth, or perhaps being pulled backwards into a black hole. While the projection is unusual, it has its roots in sound mathematic theory. As noted by Snyder in volume III of the History of Cartography:<br> “The gnomonic projection has a direct connection with sundial design. The angles between the hour markings on a sundial designed for a particular latitude are identical with the angles between the meridians on a gnomonic projection centered at the same latitude, counting each 15 degrees of longitude from the central meridian as one more hour from noon. To allow one to read time, the gnomonic map is first rotated so that the north pole is south of the center of projection rather than north. Then the triangular gnomon of the sundial is placed with its base along the central meridian and its shadow-casting back touching the north pole on the map. The local sun time is indicated by the meridian along which the shadow of the sun then falls. <br><br> The result is a very distorted, though mathematically correct, projection, with the distortion increasing rapidly away from the center point. The geography on the map is limited to major rivers, mountain ranges, and a few place names, primarily along the coasts. Virginia and Florida are noted in North America, and the fabled golden city of Manoa appears on the mythical Parime Lacus in South America. The map is filled with engravings of animals, sea monsters, ships, and a few bizarre characters, such as a pair of headless humans, and is surrounded by a floral border. The map is embellished with a 16 point compass rose in the style of the 16th Century Lafreri maps, with the names of the winds shown. <br><br> Ritter's map is the only known example of a map of the world utilizing the Gnomonic Projection. This is the first of two known states.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Overall in good condition. A rich, dark impression, issued folding on paper with a small medallion watermark with margins. There are professional repairs to a few tiny separations and holes along the folds, as well as to a tear through the top right corner of the map.
REFERENCE: Shirley "Mapping of the World" #270.
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