Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 56

"Americae Descrip.", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1607 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Minor

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.6 x 5.9 inches
19.3 x 15 cm
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Charming reduced version of the Americas map Hondius engraved for Gerard Mercator's folio atlas. It is a combination of various cartographic sources. North America is greatly elongated with a Plancius type depiction of Newfoundland and a protruding Virginian coast. South America is shown with a more or less correct western coastline and there is a large southern continent incorporating New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego. Decorated with sea monsters, sailing ships, and a strapwork title cartouche. Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #153.

Condition: A

Damp stains at paper edges. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $650 - $750

Sold for: $750

Closed on 6/8/2005

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