Catalog Archive
Auction 144, Lot 147

"Island", Hondius/Purchas

Subject: Iceland

Period: 1625 (published)

Publication: Purchas His Pilgrimes

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.3 x 5.2 inches
18.5 x 13.2 cm
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Delightful small map of Iceland, which is shown filled with mountains including the volcanic Hecla. The sea is stipple engraved and includes a spouting sea monster. Delicately engraved strapwork title and distance scale cartouches adorn the map. On full sheet of English text (8.0 x 12.3") with text on verso.

At the beginning of the 17th century, Samuel Purchas, an English cleric, set out to publish a compendium of voyages to foreign countries. To illustrate his work, Purchase obtained the rights to use Jodocus Hondius' copperplates from Atlas Minor. Over 60 maps were included in Purchas His Pilgrimes, most of which were from Hondius' plates, with English titles inserted above them. Purchas also had a few additional maps engraved, including those for India, China, Greenland, North America, and Nova Scotia.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.PUR-1a #51.

Condition: B+

Some minor show-through of text on verso and a narrow left margin, as issued, with some loss of neatline at bottom left.

Estimate: $160 - $200

Sold for: $100

Closed on 4/3/2013

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