Catalog Archive
Auction 109, Lot 73

"America noviter delineata", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1631 (circa)

Publication: Newe Welt Vnd Americanische Historien

Color: Black & White

Size:
19.5 x 14.7 inches
49.5 x 37.3 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is the uncommon, larger, version of Merian's map of the Americas. Merian's bold engraving style copies the cartography of Jodocus Hondius' map of 1631. North America is depicted with a prominent Virginia and an odd New England coastline. The western coastline above California makes the continent too wide and there is only a hint of the Great Lakes. There is a large inland lake in equatorial South America. Insets of the polar regions are set in strapwork cartouches. The map is finely decorated with a title cartouche featuring human skulls and bones to represent cannibalism and the seas are teeming with ships, sea battles and fierce sea monsters.

References: Burden #235; Nordenskiold #471-2.

Condition: A

Very strong impression. Two sheets joined and folded as issued. Couple of light spots and manuscript brown ink in blank margin, not affecting map.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400

Sold for: $1,800

Closed on 12/1/2004

Archived