"Africae nova Tabula", Hondius/Jansson

This richly ornamented map of the continent is Henricus Hondius' copy of Jodocus Hondius' map of the same title, but without the decorative borders. After the death of Jodocus in 1629, his widow sold a number of plates to Blaeu. Angry at the sale to a competitor, Henricus and Joannes Jansson engaged engravers to cut new plates, which were largely based on Jodocus' work. The map is filled with names and topography in the interior, all speculative and fictitious. The origin of the Nile conforms to the Ptolemaic tradition of the two twin lakes at the foot of the Mountains of the Moon (Luna Montes). The Kingdom of Monomotapa occupies a large area of southern Africa. Ornamentation includes a wreath-style title cartouche, sailing ships, flying fish, various sea monsters and Neptune consorting with a comely mermaid. Elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, and even a dragon occupy the interior. French text on verso.

References: Norwich #34.

Condition: B

Sharp impression with delicate original color. The map has some toning and some scattered foxing and a centerfold separation in the top margin, just entering the map and repaired with tissue on the verso.