"Peru", Hondius/Blaeu

Beautifully engraved map based on the cartography of Hessel Gerritsz. The map covers the Pacific coast of South America from Ecuador as far south as the Atacama Desert in the northern reaches of Chile. It includes the Potosi silver mines, Atacama Desert, Titicaca, Cusco, Quito and numerous other towns and villages. The large strapwork cartouche incorporates both the title and the distance scales. A large compass rose orients the map with north to the left. It is further decorated with four Spanish galleons and three sea monsters. This is one of the plates that Blaeu acquired from the widow of Jodocus Hondius in 1629. Dutch text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Atlantes) #9820:2.2.

Condition: A

Expert paper restoration in bottom marginal corners. Couple of extraneous creases, still very good.