Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 74

"Totius Americae Septentrionalis et Meridionalis Novissima Repraesentatio…", Homann, Johann Baptist

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1710 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.5 x 19 inches
57.2 x 48.3 cm
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This lovely early edition of Homann's map of the Americas shows California as an island on the second Sanson model. The Strait of Anian forms an entrance to a potential Northwest Passage between California and the mythical Terra Esonis Incognita, which forms a nearly continuous land bridge from North America to Asia. The Mississippi River and Great Lakes show the results of the early French Jesuit explorations. A large lake in the Southeastern United States is a remnant of Le Moyne's mythical cartography of the previous century. In South America, the Capitanias of Brazil are delineated and the Amazon and other interior features are beginning to take realistic form. The map is embellished with two fine cartouches, each with scenes of natives, Jesuits, and European merchants.

References: McLaughlin #175; Tooley (Amer) p. 129 #79; Portinaro #109.

Condition: B

Overall a sharp impression and lovely original color. There are some old repairs on the centerfold and the bottom has been remargined with facsimile in the border at right.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Sold for: $850

Closed on 12/3/2008

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