Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 64

"Americae nova Tabula", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1635 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.8 x 16.3 inches
55.4 x 41.4 cm
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This stunning carte-a-figures map is a superb example of the fine art of decorative cartography and a seventeenth-century European view of the New World. The coastal outlines generally follow Ortelius and Wytfliet with nomenclature from a variety of explorers and colonists. Panels at sides, each with five portraits of the native inhabitants were taken from John White (Virginia), Hans Staden (Brazil) and other early explorer's accounts. Across the top are nine town plans including Havana, St. Domingo, Cartegena, Mexico City, Cusco, Potosi, I. la Mocha in Chile, Rio de Janeiro and Olinda in Brazil. This is one of the few maps of the Americas by this famous Dutch cartographer. The map itself is similar to Blaeu's wall map of 1608 with the additional discoveries of Henry Hudson in North America, and Tierra del Fuego with Le Maire Strait. This is the third state of the plate with the imprint changed to Auct: Guiljelmo Blaeuw. Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #189; Goss (Blaeu) p. 156; Tooley (Amer) p. 297.

Condition: B+

Nice impression and old muted color with mild even toning. Minor fold separations have been professionally repaired, including a tear fold tear in the top border. Professional remargined at top.

Estimate: $6,000 - $7,500

Sold for: $5,000

Closed on 9/1/2010

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