"Americae Sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

This is one of the most famous maps of America, and one that had enormous influence on the future cartography of the New World. Frans Hogenberg engraved this map, and it is primarily based on Gerard Mercator's great multi-sheet world map of 1569. The most recognizable features of the map are the bulbous Chilean coastline and the exaggerated breadth of the North American continent. North America shows a lengthy St. Lawrence River reaching across the continent to nearly meet the fictitious, westward flowing Tiguas Rio. The strategically placed title cartouche hides the unknown South Pacific and therefore most of the conjectural great southern continent, which is shown attached to both New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego. Second state of the map showing the east-ward sailing ship above the cartouche. Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #52; Goss (NA) #11; Van den Broecke #10.

Condition: A

Superb color and impression with generous original margins. There are a few very faint spots of foxing that are not noticeable. Linen hinge remnants on verso.