Catalog Archive
Auction 136, Lot 425

An Impressive Two-sheet Italian map of South America

"America Meridionale", Coronelli, Vincenzo Maria

Subject: South America

Period: 1691 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
35 x 24 inches
88.9 x 61 cm
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Coronelli drew on many sources for his 2-sheet map of South America including several reports of voyages to which he had access. Therefore the map is considered one of the best depictions of the era. A small version of Lac de Parime is located on the equator with a notation questioning its existence. The Rio de la Plata emanates from the large Lago de Los Xaraies. The route of Dutchmen, Jacob le Maire and Willem Cornelisz Schouten, around Cape Horn and through the South Pacific is traced. This important voyage (1615-17) opened a new shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific and proved that Tierra de Fuego was an island and not a part of some massive southern continent. From a purely decorative point of view, the map is a superb example of the mapmaker's art. There are two large cartouches and the interior is filled with small depictions of animals and natives, including jaguars, llamas, hunters, torture scenes, and cannibalism. Pair of sheets (each 17.7 x 24") making up a superb large map of the continent.

References:

Condition: B+

Only the decorative features within the map have been colored. There are a few minor stains, mostly confined to the blank margins.

Estimate: $2,400 - $3,000

Sold for: $1,800

Closed on 6/1/2011

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