|
||
|
|
|
|
This beautifully engraved map of the Kingdom of Ireland was created by Gerard Mercator, one of the most influential cartographers of the 16th century. First published posthumously in 1595, this map is part of Mercator's seminal atlas, which set the standard for modern cartography.
The map provides a detailed depiction of Ireland's topography, settlements, and natural features, reflecting the cartographic knowledge of the time.
The map is oriented with east at the top. This orientation places the eastern coast of Ireland, including the prominent cities of Dublin and Drogheda, at the top of the map, while the western coastline, typically considered the left side of a map, is situated at the bottom.
One of the most striking features on Mercator's map is the depiction of Lough Erne in the northwest of Ireland. The lake is notably oversized compared to its actual size, occupying a significant portion of the map. This exaggeration likely reflects the limited geographic knowledge of the region during Mercator's time, as well as the importance of Lough Erne as a notable landmark in the sparsely populated area.
The map meticulously details Ireland's mountainous regions, rivers, and numerous settlements. Mercator's depiction of the terrain is characterized by a series of small hills and mountains rendered in profile, giving the map a textured, almost three-dimensional appearance. Major towns and cities are indicated, with Dublin (Dublinia) prominently positioned at the top of the map, reflecting its status as a key urban center.
Mercator also pays particular attention to the coastal regions and islands surrounding Ireland. The southern coastline is dotted with several small islands, while the western coast, despite its rugged nature, is carefully detailed. The surrounding seas are labeled with their Latin names, such as Mare Hibernicum (Irish Sea) to the south.
Gerard Mercator is one of the most famous cartographers of all time. Mercator was born in Flanders and educated at the Catholic University in Leuven. After his graduation in 1532, Mercator worked with Gemma Frisius, a prominent mathematician, and Gaspar a Myrica, a goldsmith and engraver. Together, these men produced globes and scientific instruments, allowing Mercator to hone his skills.
With his wife, Barbara, Mercator had six children: Arnold, Emerentia, Dorothes, Bartholomeus, Rumold, and Catharina. In 1552, Mercator moved to Duisburg from Leuven, where he lived for the rest of his life. In 1564, he was appointed the official cosmographer to the court of Duke Wilhelm of Cleve.
Mercator’s most important contribution was the creation and popularization of a projection which now bears his name. On Mercator projection maps, all parallels and meridians are drawn at right angles to each other, with the distance between the parallels extending towards the poles. This allowed for accurate latitude and longitude calculation and also allowed navigational routes to be drawn using straight lines, a huge advantage for sailors as this allowed them to plot courses without constant recourse to adjusting compass readings.
Mercator’s other enduring contribution to cartography is the term “atlas”, which was first used to describe his collection of maps gathered in one volume. The Mercator atlas was published in 1595, a year after Mercator’s death, thanks to the work of his sons, particularly Rumold, and his grandsons.
![[Belfast and Carickfergus Lough] Plan der Gegend von Irrland, wo Ao. 1760 dens 18 Febr der See Avanturier u Capt. Thurot bey A gelandet und Carickfergus eingenomen auch bis Bellast vorge drungen, den 27 Febr: aber von den Engellandischen See Capitain Elliot . . .](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/54174.jpg)
![[ Ireland ] Parte settentrionale dell'Irlanda Descritta . . . [and] Parte Meridionale dell'Irlanda Descritta, e Dedicata Dal P. Coronelli, Cosmografo della Serenissima Republica á Monsignore Illustriss. e Reumo Badoer, Patriarca di Venetia, etc.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/98643.jpg)
