Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 57

"Americae sive Indiae Occidentalis Tabula Generalis", Gerritsz/De Laet

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1630 (circa)

Publication: Beschryvinghe van West-Indien

Color: Black & White

Size:
14 x 10.9 inches
35.6 x 27.7 cm
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According to Burden this simple map is arguably the finest description of the Americas published in the seventeenth century. It was a collaborative effort between Hessel Gerritsz, the official cartographer to the Dutch East India Company and Johannes de Laet, the director of the newly formed Dutch West India Company. Together they had access to the latest geographical knowledge. Although Gerritsz had access to maps showing the insular form of California, he relies on more trustworthy accounts, such as Herrera, and depicts a peninsular form and thus the best west coast delineation to date. Rather than showing the controversial Northwest Passage, he truncates the map short of these latitudes. The map is decorated with a simple strapwork title cartouche.

References: Burden #229; Wagner #309.

Condition: B

Good impression with a bit of uneven toning. Remnants of linen hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,300

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 6/8/2005

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