Catalog Archive
Auction 135, Lot 173

"Nova Anglia Novum Belgium et Virginia", Jansson, Jan

Subject: Colonial New England and Mid-Atlantic

Period: 1636 (circa)

Publication: Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.6 x 15.2 inches
49.8 x 38.6 cm
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This is the first state of Jansson's important map of the eastern coast of North America covering from just south of Cape Fear to Nova Scotia. The map is based on the less well-known map of Johannes de Laet of 1630, but covers a slightly larger area. Because of its wider distribution, Jansson's map was much more influential, particularly with its depiction of the Dutch of Nieuw Nederland (New York). The map includes part of the Great Lakes, labeled Grand Lac and Lac des Yroquois, an unnamed Lake Champlain, and a fictitious lake at the headwaters of the Delaware River. According to Karpinski, this "is the first printed complete map of Lake Superior" although according to Burden there is no evidence to support that and Grand Lac is more likely Lake Huron. The map is adorned with two decorative cartouches, ships, sea monsters and compass roses. A portion of the entertaining English narrative on the verso describes the edible denizens of the sea in verse:

The Luscious Lobster, with the Crabfish raw.
The Brinish Oyster, Muscle Periwigge
And Tortoise Sought for by the Indian Squaw
Which to the flats dance many a winters Jigge,
To dive for Cocles, and to digge for Clammes,
Whereby her Lazie Husbands guttes she crammes.

References: Burden #247; Cumming (SE) #39; Karpinski, p. 26 & 31 plt. II; McCorkle #636.2.

Condition: B

Early impression and old color. A portion of the verdigris along the coastline of Virginia and around the bottom of Grand Lac has been reinforced on verso with and old paper repair. There is also old paper reinforcing the centerfold and some other areas reinforced with light tissue and old paper. The map is sound and presents well.

Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 2/16/2011

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