Lot 1886 Dα

Gerhard Mercator (1512-1594) was one of the most important scholars of the 16th century, best known today for his groundbreaking work in the making of maps and globes, whose accuracy and detail were praised by his contemporaries. Born Gheert Cremer in Flanders, the cartographer later Latinised his name to Gerardus Mercator. After studying and working in Leuven, he moved to Duisburg in 1552. There he was suppposed to become a professor at the planned university, but this was not founded until the 17th century. He lived and worked in Duisburg until the end of his life, becoming highly respected as a scholar throughout Europe, working among others for Duke Wilhelm V of Jülich-Kleve-Berg, who appointed him his "Ducal Cosmographer" in 1563.
The present portrait in oils is based on the famous copperplate engraving by Frans Hogenberg from 1574, which was widely distributed.