Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 386

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

Subject: Brazil

Period: 1662 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11 x 8 inches
27.9 x 20.3 cm
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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:

Condition: B+

Minor soiling and an extraneous crease at left that has been pressed flat. There is a manuscript notation in upper blank margin.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/23/2012

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