Catalog Archive
Auction 103, Lot 34

"[Lot of 4 Continents] America [and] Europa [and] Asia [and] Africa", d' Anania, Giovanni Lorenzo

Subject: Continents

Period: 1600 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.5 x 6.8 inches
24.1 x 17.3 cm
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Scarce set of small maps patterned after Ortelius and engraved by Girolamo Porro. 1) America covers both continents with a hint of the Sea of Verazzano at the top of North America. The St. Lawrence is exaggerated, and Anian and Quivira are noted in the west. South America has the early bulge in the western coast with a web of intricate river systems. A massive Nova Guinea is attached to the mythical southern landmass. 2) Europa illustrates from the southern edge of Greenland to Tartary in the north, and from northern Africa to the beginning of the Arabian Peninsula in the south. 3) Asia shows from Russia to Japan in the north to the Indian Sea and New Guinea in the south. Just a small part of Terre incognitae Australis is shown. Japan is depicted in its 'kite' shape. 4) Africa is filled with spurious interior detail, including extensive and exaggerated river systems. Among the various kingdoms shown is the famed Amazonum regio or Kingdom of Amazons. The map includes the island of Madagascar, as well as the easterly edge of South America. A fierce sea monster lurks in the Atlantic. Sizes vary slightly. The maps first appeared in d' Anania's L' Universale Fabrica del Mondo in 1582. These are the second state with page numbers added in upper left margins.

References: Burden #54.

Condition: B

All maps have hinge remnants on verso. America has a tissue reinforced centerfold, wormhole left margin, and bottom margin added with facsimile neatline. Others with a couple of very tiny worm holes professionally filled.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 6/11/2003

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