Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 65

"Americae Descrip.", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1635 (published)

Publication: Historia Mundi

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.7 x 5.8 inches
19.6 x 14.7 cm
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Charming reduced version of the Americas map that Hondius engraved for Gerard Mercator's folio atlas. It is a combination of various cartographic sources. North America is greatly enlarged with a Plancius type depiction of Newfoundland and a protruding Virginian coast, and the west coast separated by only a narrow strait from Asiae Pars. South America is shown with a more or less correct western coastline and there is a large southern continent incorporating New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego. Decorated with sea monsters, sailing ships, and a strapwork title cartouche. English text on verso.

References: Burden #153.

Condition: A+

Very dark impression with printer's ink residue. A small marginal tear, well away from the image, has been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Unsold

Closed on 9/1/2010

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