Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 752

"Nova descriptio Africae", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: Africa

Period: 1638 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 10.5 inches
35.6 x 26.7 cm
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Fine decorative map of the continent based on the cartography of Blaeu. The map is richly embellished with numerous ships, sea monsters (including a great sea-horse), a compass rose and exotic animals wandering all over the continent. The Nile is depicted according to Ptolemy with its sources in two large lakes below the equator, as well as other fictitious details.

References: Betz #67; Norwich #33.

Condition: A

Estimate: $750 - $950

Sold for: $1,900

Closed on 2/25/2009

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