"Le Bresil, dont la Coste est Possedee par les Portugais, et Divisee en Quatorze Capitanieries…", Sanson/Mariette

This is a reduced version of Sanson's important map showing the Portuguese possessions in Brazil. The coastal regions were divided by the Portuguese Crown into fourteen Capitaineries, or hereditary harbor offices. The holders of these grants, called donees (donatários), were responsible for their defense and development. There is also a fair amount of detail in the interior, along the major rivers. The mythical Lago de los Xarayes appears at left and the otherwise unknown interior is conveniently covered by the garland-style title cartouche.

References: Pastoureau, Sanson II C.

Condition: A

Watermarked paper with a short centerfold separation in bottom blank margin that has been closed on verso with old paper. A few chips in top blank margin have been repaired on verso with old paper.