Old coloured map of Scotland originally issued in the 1595 Mercator atlas and thereafter appearing in Mercator/Hondius atlases of the early 17th century. Based on Mercator’s earlier map of the British Isles published in 1564, Scotland is shown in the more “modern” north-south orientation rather than the west-east view used by Ortelius and others. The map, which served as the standard cartographic reference until Robert Gordon’s version in 1654, shows a clear view of the country and includes the Herbrides and Orkney Islands and is decorated with a strap-work title cartouche. A description of Scotland appears on the verso in French. Other than a short centrefold split in the bottom margin well away from the image, an old coloured strong, dark impression in excellent condition. 35 cm x 40.5 cm