Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 97

"Totius Americae Septentrionalis et Meridionalis Novissima Repraesentatio…", Homann, Johann Christoph

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1730 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.2 x 19 inches
56.4 x 48.3 cm
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This attractive map is a revision of the elder Homann's 1710 map of the Americas. After his death in 1724, his son (Johann Christoph Homann) re-engraved the plate to correct the western coastline of North America, shown here extending very far west and north, with very little detail. California is no longer shown as an island, although the remnants of the interior sea can be seen near the Pais de Moozemleck where a river nearly connects with the Mississippi River system, hinting at the possibility of a Northwest Passage. The Great Lakes are taking shape, being actively explored by the French fur traders and the Hudson Bay Company. The Solomon Islands are prominently placed in the Pacific, considerably too far to the east. The map is decorated with two large pictorial cartouches, the one at top shows natives worshipping a fearsome demon at the right, while at left they listen placidly to a priest. The lower cartouche features the landscape, native fauna and two natives.

References:

Condition: B+

Original color with overall light toning and a few small, unobtrusive spots. This is a really nice impression, which is not always the case with this map.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $600

Closed on 9/14/2011

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