Catalog Archive
Auction 121, Lot 416

"Islandia", Mercator, Gerard

Subject: Iceland

Period: 1600 (circa)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17 x 11 inches
43.2 x 27.9 cm
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This important map first appeared in the 1595 edition of Mercator's Atlas. The map is similar to Ortelius' map of Iceland (issued five years earlier) and is based on the same source - that of Bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson. Although the map is far from accurate, it is a marked improvement on earlier maps in both content and execution. The island is depicted with its vast mountains, glaciers and fiords and the eruption in Hekla. The settlements are fairly well located and many places of interest are named. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a sea monster and scale of miles. Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: B

A nice impression with old color that is a bit faded. The sheet has been trimmed, but the margins are ample. There are a pair of tears in the upper left corner, and a centerfold separation at top, not affecting the image. Tape residue on the centerfold, top and corner on verso.

Estimate: $700 - $1,000

Sold for: $650

Closed on 9/26/2007

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