A map of North America

A map of North America by the German Jesuit Heinrich Scherer, taken from the thematic work Atlas Marianus, in which Scherer examines the spread of the Catholic faith across the continents. The white areas of North America represent territories where the Catholic faith is practiced, while the dark shaded areas represent Protestant or as yet unchristianized territories. The map is lavishly decorated with parergem and name cartouches held by cherubs.