Catalog Archive
Auction 109, Lot 16

"Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: World

Period: 1641 (published)

Publication: Tractatus cum urbium

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 10 inches
35.6 x 25.4 cm
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Beautifully engraved world map on Mercator's projection. The cartography was closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. Latin title at top, outside neatline, with German gothic script title and a notation concerning the discovery of the Americas in 1492 that covers the unknown interior of North America. There is a large southern continent connected to New Guinea, California is a peninsula, and there are plenty of open ended waterways in the eastern part of North America, which leave open the question of a Northwest Passage. Two polar projections in lower corners. The map is richly adorned with sea monsters, galleons and compass roses. First state with Merian's signature bottom right.

References: Shirley #345.

Condition: A+

Fine, sharp impression.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 12/1/2004

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