Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 73

"[Lot of 4] America [with] Africa [and] Asia [and] Europa", Schreiber, Johann Christoph

Subject: Continents

Period: 1749 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Selectus von allen Konigreichen…

Color: Hand Color

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This is an interesting set of smaller maps with decorative, pictorial cartouches and German text keyed to place names.

1) America depicts North and South America, with California shown as an island. There is an unusual waterway with three small lakes named Fl. Mortis coming off the Mississippi and emptying into the Mare Vermeio. The Strait of Anian is shown in the Pacific Northwest, separating a large Terra Esonis Incognita from California. There are numerous, meticulously engraved place names throughout the map. The title cartouche is surrounded by native figures and products of the Americas. (9.25 x 6.7")
2 Africa is filled with an imaginary interior and place names. The Nile is shown emanating from two lakes, Zaire and Zafftan, south of the equator, and the Mountains of the Moon are nearby. The title cartouche is flanked by a European, an African, an elephant and a lion. (9.5 x 6.5")
3) Asia. This small map of the continent includes all of South East Asia. Japan appears as a large single island named Imperium Japonicum, incorporating Terra Yedso. Compagnie Land is still shown to the east of Japan. The decorative title cartouche features native peoples and exotic animals. (9.25 x 6.25")
4) Europa is an attractive map of Europe showing the political divisions, which are listed in a column at right. The detail is minutely engraved and includes volcanoes, mountains and other topographical details. The title cartouche features Europa with Mercury and a globe. (9.75 x 6.4")

References: 1) McLaughlin #233-2; 3) Yeo #137.

Condition: B+

Strong old color with some minor bleed through on versos. The impressions are a little uneven and there is some minor foxing in the margins and border of Europa.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $450

Closed on 12/1/2010

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