Frontispiece of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas
Jodocus Hondius (1563-1612)
Amsterdam, c. 1613-1641
Engraving
WOP-102

This double portrait frontispiece was first published in the 1613 edition of the atlas. It is interesting for its pairing of Mercator and Hondius who never were partners, as Hondius acquired Mercator's plates after his death. Globes, cross-staffs, a map, and an armillary sphere reference the trade of the two men. The brown dog resting on the base of the armillary sphere at the top represents the Hondius family and their printer's mark, De wackere Hondt (the watchful dog). The Hondius family was one of the major map and atlas publishing firms during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. One of the major works from their presses was the Mercator-Hondius Atlas, which appeared in at least 40 editions in various languages.