"America Meridionalis", Hondius, Jodocus

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 the conjectural 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. Latin text on verso.

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Condition: B

There is expert paper restoration along centerfold, including repair of an area to the right of the native with minor loss of image. There are also repaired tears in bottom blank margin that do not affect the map. There are some minute spots and a tiny hole next to Francisco in Brazil.