Fine example of Wagenhaer's map the coastline of the Basque Regions of Spain and France.
The map is oriented with south at the top and extends from Castro Urdiales and Bilbao in the west to Arcachon in the north, centered on San Sebastian and Biarritz.
The decorative embellishments include a sailing ship, sea monsters, a large compass rose and other decorative features.
Wagenhaer was a Dutch pilot who produced the first set of effective navigational charts, under the title Spiegel der Zeevaerdt. These gorgeous charts, engraved by Baptist and Jan van Doetecum, embody the latest contemporary knowledge of navigation and position finding and set the standard which was followed for more than a century. Waghenaer's charts are magnificent works of art, which are highly sought after by collectors.
An essential map for collectors of the Basque Region and Coastal Charts, one of the most decorative of all of Waghenaer's sea charts.