Catalog Archive
Auction 142, Lot 355

Superb Picture-Frame Style Border

"Scheepstogt door Robert Harcourt gedaan na Gujana", Aa, Pieter van der

Subject: Northern South America and Lesser Antilles

Period: 1715 (circa)

Publication: Naaukeurige versameling der Gedenk-Waardigste Zee en Land Reysen…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.5 x 8.7 inches
29.2 x 22.1 cm
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This decorative map of northern South America extends to include Hispaniola and the Lesser Antilles and gives great detail of the towns, rivers and mountains in the region. The map depicts the route of Robert Harcourt's expedition to Guyana in 1609, in search of gold and riches. Harcourt was determined to find the fabled city of Manoa or El Dorado, which his predecessor Sir Walter Raleigh had failed to find. Harcourt didn't find Manoa, here depicted on the western bank of the mythical Parime Lacus, and later returned to England empty-handed. The map features a vignette of Harcourt negotiating with several natives, with two large ships in the background. This is the much more decorative, and uncommon, edition with the map enclosed in a superb picture frame-style border with incredible 3-dimensional quality.

References:

Condition: A

A dark impression with very minor soiling in wide, original margins. There are two tiny abrasions in unengraved areas just outside of map.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $250

Closed on 11/28/2012

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