Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 81

"Provinciae Borealis Americae non ita Pridem Detectae aut Magis ab Europaeis Excultae", Scherer, Heinrich

Subject: North America

Period: 1703 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Novus

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.8 x 9.2 inches
35.1 x 23.4 cm
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This captivating map of North America features a huge island of California, an oversized depiction of the Great Lakes, and a misplaced Mississippi River delta. The interior is packed with a helter-skelter arrangement of mountains, rivers and lakes. There is a hint of the Northwest Passage hidden by the title cartouche. The mythical cities of Cibola are located. The large vignette at bottom right depicts three explorers, French, Spanish and English; each displaying a map of their respective possessions in North America to subjugated natives. Other ornaments include the ships of these colonial powers, a title cartouche and sea monsters.

References: McLaughlin #160; Tooley (Amer) p. 131 #86.

Condition: A

Couple of minor stains in upper margin, else very fine.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800

Sold for: $2,300

Closed on 12/6/2006

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