Fig. 98a. Terrestrial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
Fig. 98b. Celestial Globe of Willem Jansz. Blaeu, ca. 1640.
The Biblioteca Barbarini of Rome possesses four armillary spheres, all appearing to be of the early seventeenth century. A description of two of these, neither signed nor dated, it has not been possible to obtain; two are the work of J. Paolo Ferreri, the one constructed in the year 1602 according to the brief record “Jo. Paulus Ferrerius f. f. an. 1602,” and the other in the year 1624 being inscribed “Fco gio. Paulo Ferreri Rono ano 1624.” Professor Uzielli has given to the author the information that these are of brass, having each a graduated horizon circle supported by four half circles which in turn rest on a single brass column. Through this horizon circle passes an adjustable meridian circle 39 cm. in diameter, which is graduated and which supports other movable circles, such as the colures carrying the polar circles, the tropics, which are graduated, and the ecliptic, a broad band inclined 23½ degrees to the equator, likewise graduated and engraved with the names of the months and of the constellations of the zodiac. Within the circles of each of these spheres, placed at what may be called their common center, is a small solid sphere to serve as a representation of a terrestrial globe but without geographical details. There appear to be but slight differences in the construction of these two armillary spheres, the one of 1624 having certain circles which are slightly smaller than are the corresponding ones on that of earlier date. From the same source it is learned that the artist, Tito Lessi of Florence, possesses an armillary sphere signed and dated “Lud: s Sem: s Bon: Fac: A. D. MDCXII,” near which is a representation of a coat of arms with a dragon. The sphere is of brass, the diameter of its greatest circle being 63 cm. We know nothing of the Ludovico referred to as the maker, but who, as is noted, was a Bolognese. The same artist, as we are informed, likewise possesses another unsigned and undated armillary sphere which presumably is of the early seventeenth century.
Peter Plancius (1552-1622), a native of Drane-outer, West Flanders, is especially remembered as a militant theologian (Fig. [99]) and as one of the most influential men active in the shaping of the colonial policy of the States of the Netherlands in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. His was indeed a stormy career wherein it touched the Reformation movements. In early life a monk, he later became an ardent reformer supporting the Calvinistic faith. After passing some years in Germany and in England in study, he became, in the year 1578, a pastor in the city of Brussels. When persecution threatened him, he fled, in the year 1585, to Amsterdam, where he again became a pastor, exerting for many years a far-reaching influence in matters touching the relations of the reform movements and the state. Plancius, however, was not only learned in matters theological, he was interested, as stated above, in Dutch colonial enterprise, was a geographer, and a map and globe maker of great distinction. He in part planned and actively supported the Dutch expeditions of Barents, Hemskerken, Linschoten, and Le Maire, who undertook to find new routes to the Indies, both East and West. He assisted in the organization of the East India Company, which company made large contributions to the commercial prosperity of the Netherlands.[47] He was instrumental, with his countryman, William Usselinx, and others, in organizing the West India Company.[48] He took an active part in the planting of New Amsterdam in the New World, and in the establishment of Batavia in Java. He was counselor for twenty-five years in practically all matters pertaining to the welfare of the peoples of the Netherlands.
Fig. 99. Portrait of Peter Plancius.
As map maker Plancius appears to have begun his activities shortly after taking up a residence in Amsterdam. His great world map in two hemispheres, one of his first productions, and one which may in part have served Blaeu and Hondius in the preparation of their masterpieces, of the years 1605 and 1611, respectively, was issued in the year 1592, a unique copy of which belongs to the Collegio del Corpus Christi of Valencia.[49] This map, bearing the title “Nova et exacta terrarum orbis tabula geographica ac hydrographica,” is composed of eighteen sheets, which, when joined, give a world map measuring 146 by 233 cm. Blundeville makes interesting reference to this map under the following caption: “A Plaine and full Description of Petrus Plancius his vniuersall Mappe, seruing both for Sea and Land, and by him lately put forth in the yeere of our Lord 1592. In which Mappe are set downe many more places, as well of both the Indies, as Afrique, together with their true Longitudes and Latitudes, than are to be found either in Mercator his Mappe, or in any other Moderne Mappe whatsoeuer: And this Mappe doth show what Riches, Power, or Commodities, as what kind of Beasts both wild and tame, what Plants, Fruits, or Mines any Region hath, and what kinds of Merchandize do come from euery Region. Also the diuers Qualities and Manners of the People, and to whom they are subiect. Also who be the most mightie and greatest Princes of the World: A Mappe meet to adorne the House of any Gentleman or Merchant, that delighteth in Geographie: and herewith this Booke is also meete to be bought, for that it plainely expoundeth euery thing contained in the said Mappe.”[50] Blundeville notes further that Plancius drew another map of the whole earth in two hemispheres, employing the polar projection. He does not give the date of this map, but it presumably was issued shortly after that of 1592. A Plancius world map in two hemispheres, bearing title “Orbis terrarum typus de integro multis in locis amendatus, auctore Petro Plancio 1594,” appears in the account of Linschoten’s expedition of 1599.[51] It is a well-drawn map, containing much valuable geographical data. Like Mercator, Hondius, and Blaeu, Plancius also undertook the construction of globes. Of these the oldest known appears to have been begun as early as the year 1612, the date appearing in the following dedication, “Nobilissimis Amplissimis Consultissimis ac Prudentissimis Dominis Consulariis Thalassiarchis atque Thalatto Oratoribus Hollandiae Zelandiae et Frisiae occidentalis nec non Magnificis ac Clarissimis Dominis Consulibus praeclarissimi Emporii Amstelodami, Petrus Kaerius humillimus cliens L. M. Q. dat, dicat, dedicat. Anno 1612.” “To the Most Noble, Exalted, Learned and Prudent Consular Lords and Orators Maritime of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland, also to the Great and Distinguished Lords Counselors of the Renowned Emporium of Amsterdam, Peter Kaerius their humble client gives and dedicates (this globe). In the year 1612.” Below the legend is engraved “Petrus Kaerius excudit ann. 1614,” the date here given clearly indicating the year of issue. Not far from the dedicatory legend appears the following: “Ipsa experientia peritos Naucleros docuit volubiles libellas magnetis virtute infectas in Insulis Corvi et Florum Mundi polos recte respicere: idcirco ibi, taquam a communi Mundi Magn. Meridiano Logitud. justis de causis initum sumunt Petrus Kaerius et Abrahamus Goos patrueles sculptores.” “Experience itself has taught skilful mariners that loose leaves when under the electrical influence, in the islands of Corvo and Flores, turn directly toward the poles of the world, and for this reason it is here, as a common magnetic meridian of the world, that Peter Kaerius and Abraham Goos his cousin, engravers, locate with reason the beginning of longitude.” The customary address to the reader, though here not so designated, reads, “In hujus nostri Globi delineatione ubique castigatissimas Tabulas Hydrographicas ac Geographicas sequuti sumus, quibus Germani, Hispani, Galli, Itali, Angli, Scoti, Dani, Norvegi, Suedi nec non et navigationibus utuntur: ad quae omnia comparanda nulli nec labori nec sumptui pepercimus: ventorum quoque regimmes ad usum navigantium admussim accomodavimus: quemadmodum artis periti, proprius inspiciendo, reperient. Vale ac frere. Petrus Plancius.” “In the delineation of this our globe, we have everywhere followed the most correct hydrographic and geographic tables which the Germans, Spaniards, French, Italians, English, Scotch, Danes, Norwegians and Swedes use in their voyages. In doing this we have spared no labor nor expense. The directions of the winds (loxodromic lines) we have laid down with great exactness for the use of sailors, as those experienced in navigation will see on close inspection. Farewell and be happy. Peter Plancius.” This gives us definitely to understand that this terrestrial globe was the work of Plancius.