Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 643

"Argonautica", Jansson, Jan

Subject: Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea

Period: 1652 (circa)

Publication: Accuratissima Orbis Antiqui Delineatio

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.8 x 14.8 inches
50.3 x 37.6 cm
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This decorative map illustrates the geography of the Golden Fleece legend, covering from Italy to the Black Sea. The Argonautica is a Greek epic poem that tells the myth of the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts to retrieve the fleece from the mythical land of Colchis. The map is based on Ortelius' map of the same title. Insets in three corners show Europe, Thessaly (home of the Argonauts), and Hellespont and Propontis (the waterway connecting the Aegean and Black Seas). Beautifully engraved and embellished by Petrus Kaerius -- at the age of 74 -- is noted at lower left.

References:

Condition: A

The color is highlighted with gold. There is some minor creasing along centerfold, still very good.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $425

Closed on 12/2/2009

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