Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 403

"America Meridionalis", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: South America

Period: 1615 (circa)

Publication: Mercator's Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14.3 inches
49.5 x 36.3 cm
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Superb folio map of the continent that was added by Jodocus Hondius for publication in his continuation of the Mercator Atlas. The interior features the large mythical Parime Lacus straddling the equator and an equally interesting river system. The huge Rio de la Plata flows south from Eupana Lacus in Brazil, while the R. Grande flows north from the same lake to join the Amazon River. The Strait of Magellan is shown, but Tierra del Fuego is part of the large southern continent. The map is beautifully engraved with a wave pattern in the oceans, which are filled with ships, sea monsters and a native canoe. The continent is flanked by two elaborate cartouches; title to the right and a large inset plan of Cuzco incorporated into the distance scale cartouche on the left. A Native American is seen with a bow and arrow in the interior. French text on verso.

References:

Condition: B

A fine impression with lovely color and marginal soiling. There is a 6" tear that extends into the cartouche at right that has been professionally repaired. A 1" section within the Cuzco plan at left has been replaced in facsimile. This is still a beautiful piece despite the imperfections, as the expert repair work has rendered them barely visible.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600

Sold for: $900

Closed on 12/7/2011

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