About the map

This influential map from 1595, Septentrionalium Terrarum Descriptio, made by the famous mapmaker Gerard Mercator was the first separately printed map dedicated to the Arctic. At the time, the Arctic was fast becoming an area of intense interest to European powers, all seeking faster and easier passage to Asian markets via the Northwest and Northeast.

This map reflects an interesting mix of contemporary discoveries (Frobisher and Davis) with abundant myths and curious ideas that fill the gaps in knowledge about the icy north. This is the second state of the map plate (published in 1628) that includes updates by Hondius in the Eurasian Arctic reflecting discoveries at the end of the 16th century by Willem Barents.

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