Catalog Archive
Auction 121, Lot 418

"Tabula Islandiae Auctore Georgio Carolo Flandro", Hondius/Jansson

Subject: Iceland

Period: 1650 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.3 x 14.8 inches
49 x 37.6 cm
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This handsome map of Iceland was based on information from a Dutch navigator named Joris Carolus in about 1620. The map shows the influence of both versions of Bishop Gudbrandur's previous maps, a coastline resembling the Ortelius version, and Mercator's selection and spelling of many place names. The island's topography is dominated by huge mountains and volcanoes and its shoreline is a rugged labyrinth of fiords. It is richly embellished with a title cartouche attended by water nymphs, compass roses, rhumb lines, a sailing ship and two sea monsters. The map was hugely influential for over 130 years as it was printed in many editions by two of the largest map publishers in the Netherlands, Willem Blaeu and Jan Jansson. This being the later state without imprint. Dutch text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Lovely impression on a faintly toned sheet. An old marginal tear and the centerfold are repaired at top. There is one short edge tear at left, well away from map.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500

Sold for: $900

Closed on 9/26/2007

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