Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 815

"Africae Descriptio", Bucelin, Gabriel

Subject: Africa

Period: 1658 (published)

Publication: Praecipuarum Universi Terrarum Orbis

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.3 x 2.6 inches
10.9 x 6.6 cm
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This scarce, tiny map is based on the Ortelius/Galle map of Africa that first appeared in 1593. The overly-large river systems dominate the continent and there are a few mountain ranges. The place names are also derived from Ortelius. Two tiny sailing ships and a sea monster decorate the seas. In the first edition of King's book on miniature maps, he attributed Bucelin's maps to Johann Praetorius who was the publisher of Historiae Universalis Auctorium, which was often bound with the Praecipuarum Universi. Latin text on verso.

References: Betz #90; King (2nd ed.) pp. 126-127.

Condition: A+

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $325

Closed on 9/24/2008

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