World map, 1792 Antique world maps HQ

This is a world map from 1792, presented in a Mercator projection within two overlapping globes. The map is richly decorated, particularly at the top and bottom, with allegorical figures and exotic animals.
At the top, four female figures are depicted in classical attire. Each figure is accompanied by symbols significant to the period: a horse, a deer with scales (representing justice or balance), a snake with a mirror (symbolizing wisdom or vanity), and a camel with smoking incense (perhaps representing trade or distant lands). This grouping likely symbolizes different aspects of the world or human endeavor.
The lower part of the map features a more pastoral and exotic scene with various figures and animals. On the left, a figure in indigenous attire with a feathered headdress holds a spear, suggesting exploration and unfamiliar peoples. In the center, seated figures engage in leisurely activities, one holding what appears to be a globe. On the right, a figure adorned in vibrant clothing sits near a lion, possibly alluding to untamed nature or power. The presence of elephants and palm trees further enhances the sense of exoticism and the vastness of the world.
The map itself details continents and oceans with political boundaries subtly indicated by color. North and South America are prominent on the left globe, while Africa, Europe, and Asia are shown on the right. The TERRE AUSTRALE INC. (Terra Australis Incognita) is depicted at the bottom, a common representation of the hypothesized southern continent that was yet to be fully explored. The extensive annotations and decorations on this map suggest not only a detailed cartographical work but also an artistic and symbolic representation of the world as understood and perceived in the late 18th century. The emphasis on allegorical figures and exotic elements points to a broader worldview that encompassed scientific discovery, divine order, and the allure of far-off lands.