"Novus Orbis sive America Meridionalis et Septentrionalis, per sua Regna, Provincias, et Insulas iuxta Observationes et Descriptiones Recentiss", Seutter, Matthias

This striking map of the Americas with a prominent island of California is based on the second Sanson model, with two indented bays in the northern coast. Directly above the island is the strait Fretum Anian off the coastline of Terra Esonis incogn, which is obscured by an elaborate pictorial cartouche relating to the religious conversion of the natives. The Great Lakes are somewhat distorted, with large extensions coming off of the west coasts of Superior and Lake Michigan. A suggestion of a Northwest Passage is hinted at above the Anian R. The map is filled with place names and details the tracks of the major voyages of exploration in the Pacific. The large title cartouche depicts Native Americans fishing, cutting sugar cane, farming, and paying tribute to a chief, while an array of exotic birds flutter above.

References: McLaughlin #211-2; Tooley (America)pp. 132, #91, plt. 61.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a strong sheet with original color. There are a few minor stains from candlewax, but it is overall very good.