Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 285

A Foundation Map for the American Southwest

"Nueva Hispania Tabula Nova", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: Southwest United States & Mexico

Period: 1598 (circa)

Publication: La Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo Allessadrino…

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.8 x 7.5 inches
24.9 x 19.1 cm
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This wonderful early map of New Spain is an enlarged version of Gastaldi's map of 1548 with the only notable change being the peninsular Yucatan. The legendary seven cities of Civola are noted and Mexico City is shown floating in a large lake. The place names along the upper Gulf Coast reveal the explorations of Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca and Moscosso. The Mississippi makes its appearance as the Rio de Spiritu Santo and the R. Tontonteanc flows in the vicinity of the Colorado River. Third state of the map with the additions of Calmifor for California, Siera Nevad for the Sierra Nevadas and the addition of Mare Pacificum as well as a ship in the Pacific. Italian text on verso. This is a foundation map in the cartography of the American Southwest, and a must for collectors of that region.

References: Burden #31; Martin & Martin, plt. 3; Wheat (TMW) #7.

Condition: B+

A few spots in wide, original margins and light printer's ink residue.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600

Sold for: $950

Closed on 2/15/2012

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