Atlas Minor Sive totius Orbis Terrarum Contracta Delineata ex conatibus Title Page

Article description

Original antique copper engraving. Verso blank. Depicted with five classical figures. Against a tall pyramid, stands Atlas supporting the Heavens on his shoulders. On the right side is Neptune, seated atop a large globe and grasping his trident. To the left side is Cybele, mother goddess of the Earth with her turreted headpiece and holding another of her attributes, behind of the seated Muse of History. At her feet are measuring instruments - a cross-staff, measuring chain and circumferentor. Finally, borne in the air in front of Atlas is the angel of Fame with her twin trumpets, emphasising the importance and significance of Visscher's atlas.