Catalog Archive
Auction 136, Lot 372

"Nova Hispania, et Nova Galicia", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Mexico

Period: 1638 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.7 x 15 inches
50 x 38.1 cm
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This is a fabulous, decorative map of the western coastal regions of Mexico. It is based on Hondius' map of 1606, which itself derives from Ortelius' 1579 map. Mexico City is situated on a large lake below the elaborate title cartouche with the Royal Spanish arms, figureheads, parrots and other adornments. Several gold and silver mines are located in the central region with a diamond shaped icon, and a central mountain range has a Latin note that there are large amounts of silver to be found there. Two sailing ships and a compass rose adorn the Pacific, and putti and armadillos frolic on the scale of miles cartouche. The map bears Willem Blaeu's signature. French text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Fine impression and lovely overall condition with a small hole (paper flaw) in the blank margin, not affecting the map.

Estimate: $425 - $500

Sold for: $450

Closed on 6/1/2011

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