Cartographic table, Nuremberg, c. 1553

'Cartography and art are united here: the map reflects the latest scientific knowledge and the object itself is fashioned from precious materials. Painted on the back of the polished round rock crystal plate is a map of Spain and Portugal. Over the course of time, the original bright blue colour of the expensive lapis lazuli has discoloured almost entirely to a dull grey.'

Commentary: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Literature: J. van Bennekom en D.J. Biemond, 'A Golden Landscape in an Ultramarine Sea : Research into the "Spanish Map" of 1552-53', The Rijksmuseum Bulletin 60 (2012), nr. 2, p. 100-115.