Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 677

Blaeu's Carte-a-Figures Map of Africa

"Africae Nova Descriptio", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Africa

Period: 1650 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Maior

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22 x 16.3 inches
55.9 x 41.4 cm
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This is one of the most decorative seventeenth century maps of the African continent and a superb example of the Dutch carte-a-figures style. The map is surrounded on three sides with vignettes of native peoples and nine principal cities. The Nile is shown according to Ptolemy with its sources arising in the lakes Zaire and Zaflan, the fictitious Lake Sachaf of Laurent Fries appears, as well as the R. de Spirito Santo. The map is further embellished with numerous ships, sea monsters (including a great seahorse), a compass rose and exotic animals wandering all over the continent. This is the second state of the map. Dutch text on verso, published between 1642-64.

References: Betz #57.2; Norwich #32.

Condition: B

A faint printer's crease at top and a short centerfold separation in bottom blank margin that has been professionally repaired. Expertly remargined at right and left with about 1/8" of border in facsimile at each side.

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Sold for: $2,400

Closed on 2/15/2012

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