Catalog Archive
Auction 107, Lot 276

"Islandia", Mercator, Gerard

Subject: Iceland

Period: 1607 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.4 x 11 inches
44.2 x 27.9 cm
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This important map first appeared in the 1595 edition of Mercator's Atlas. The map is similar to Ortelius' map of Iceland (issued five years earlier) and is based on the same source - that of bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson. Although the map is far from accurate, it is a marked improvement on earlier maps in both content and execution. The island is depicted with its vast mountains, glaciers and fiords and includes fairly well located settlements, many places of interest and the eruption in Hekla. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a sea monster and scale of miles. French text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Tissue repairs in blank margins, else fine.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 6/9/2004

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