Catalog Archive
Auction 113, Lot 76

"America noviter delineata", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1638 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.2 x 11 inches
36.1 x 27.9 cm
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Merian prepared this reduced version of his 1631 map for the German translation of Pierre d'Avity's Les Empires du Monde and it accompanied other works of the period including Theatrum Europaeum. It is one of the many derivatives of Jodocus Hondius' map of 1618. North America is depicted with a prominent Virginia and an odd New England coastline. The western coastline above California makes the continent entirely too wide. There is only a hint of the Great Lakes. There is a large inland lake in equatorial South America. Small inset of Greenland. Strapwork title cartouche, a sea monster and Spanish galleons decorate the map. Merian's signature at lower right.

References: Burden #251.

Condition: A

Tiny edge tear well away from map, else fine.

Estimate: $950 - $1,100

Sold for: $700

Closed on 12/7/2005

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