Old coloured, double hemisphere map of the world that was prepared for Frederick De Wit’s maritime atlas entitled “Orbis maritimus ofte Zee Atlas”, first published in 1675. The map, which is highlighted in gold and finely engraved and etched by the important Dutch artist Romeyn de Hooghe, displays allegorical scenes of the four elements in each corner. Clockwise from top left, Fire is represented by war and destruction, Air by a scene of the heavens, Water by sailing ships and sea creatures and Earth by harvesting and husbandry. (Shirley - Mapping the World # 444). Circular projections of the North and South Poles are shown in the centre top and bottom, respectively. In common with most world maps of the later 17th century, California is depicted as an island and the northwest coast of North America is missing. This example is the first state of the map as the plate was acquired in the early 18th century by Louis Renard and then by Reinier & Josua Ottens, each of whom amended the title cartouche with their names. Blank verso. The map has a repaired bottom centrefold split, a few short tears to the blank margins and minor cracking due to verdigris oxidation that has been reinforced with Japanese paper on the verso; otherwise a beautiful, old coloured example with full margins in very good condition. 48 cm x 56.5 cm