"Nova Hispania, et Nova Galicia", Blaeu, Willem

This is a fabulous, decorative map of the western coastal regions of Mexico. It is based on Hondius' map of 1606, which itself derives from Ortelius' 1579 map. Mexico City is situated on a large lake below the elaborate title cartouche with the Royal Spanish arms, figureheads, parrots and other adornments. Several gold and silver mines are located in the central region with a diamond shaped icon, and a central mountain range has a Latin note that there are large amounts of silver to be found there. Two sailing ships and a compass rose adorn the Pacific, and putti and armadillos frolic on the scale of miles cartouche. French text on verso with page eleven at upper right.

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Condition: B+

Fine impression and color with wide, original margins. Two light water stains at upper margin. A tear at upper right extends just to the cartouche and is closed on verso with archival tissue. One small ink spot next to distance scale. The map image and color are very good less the tear.