Catalog Archive
Auction 109, Lot 112

"La Nuova Francia", Gastaldi/Ramusio

Subject: Colonial New England and Canada

Period: 1606 (published)

Publication: Terzo Volume delle Navigationi et Viaggi

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.5 x 10.5 inches
36.8 x 26.7 cm
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This unusual map is the first map to focus on the area of New England and New France and the first to use the name Nuova Francia. Derived from the Gastaldi's 1548 regional map, the cartography is based largely on Verrazzano and Cartier's reports resulting in a curious depiction of the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers. Newfoundland is identified as Terra Nuova, below the large Isola De Demoni, appropriately decorated with demons. The area near New York Harbor is titled Angoulesme. Long Island, which Verrazzano imagined a peninsula, is labeled Flora. Newport Bay is called Port Real and Narragansett Bay is Port du Refuge. A long, snake-like band that has also been speculated to be an early representation of the Gulf Stream marks the rich fishing banks. The map is populated with scenes of Native Americans hunting and fishing, elaborately engraved ships and fanciful sea monsters. This example is the second state, third and last edition; the first woodblock had been destroyed by a fire a year after it was made in 1556. It is can be distinguished by the evidence of woodworm in the block that left blank areas in the printed map.

References: Augustyn & Cohen pp. 18-19; Burden #25; Kershaw, #15b; McCorkle #556.1.

Condition: A+

Sharp impression printed on fine quality paper. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $2,400 - $3,000

Sold for: $2,100

Closed on 12/1/2004

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