Museo Galileo
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Virtual Museum
Terrestrial globe
    • Setting:
      Room III
    • Author:
      Willem Jansz Blaeu
    • Date:
      published by Joan Blaeu ca. 1645-1648
    • Materials:
      paper, wood
    • Dimensions:
      sphere diameter 680 mm, height 1140 mm, width 920 mm
    • Inventory:
      353
    • Terrestrial globe (Inv. 353)

This terrestrial globe is one in the series of Willem Jansz Blaeu's undated models, which often lack dedications as well. The difficulty of dating them is complicated by the fact that Joan Blaeu continued to reprint his father's globes. This specimen, which carries the date 1629 on the Australian coasts, was probably issued after 1645. California is still depicted as an island. A long text recounts the multiple attempts by Dutch travelers to discover the North-East passage. The globe is in excellent condition and richly adorned. The large letters are gilt and some scenes are painted. Paired with the celestial globe inv. 347. Provenance: Medici collections.