Catalog Archive
Auction 116, Lot 76

"Americae sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio", Munster/Petri

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: Cosmographia Universalis

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 12.2 inches
36.3 x 31 cm
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This handsome woodcut map is based on Abraham Ortelius' classic map of 1570, with the huge bulge in the southwest coastline of South America, the extensive western coastline of North America, and the great southern continent, here called Meridies Terra de Fuego. However, because of the restrictions inherent in wood block engraving, Petri's map is somewhat generalized. A village of Quivira and the Sierra Nevada are located in present-day California. Inland is the kingdom of Quivira with those of Anian and Tolm to the north and east. Above the map are two elongated ovals of gothic German text and above that, in the upper margin a German title, "Die newen Inseln so hinder Hispania Gegen Orient bey dem Landt Indie Gelegen." German text and illustration on verso.

References: Burden #67.

Condition: B

Faint toning along centerfold.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 9/20/2006

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