Catalog Archive
Auction 145, Lot 394

"Paraquaria Vulgo Paraguay. Cum Adjacentibus", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Paraguay

Period: 1671 (published)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.5 x 11.4 inches
36.8 x 29 cm
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Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

This fine map, based on Blaeu's rare map of the region, shows the mountains, rivers, forests and settlements. Good interior detail covers Uruguay with part of present-day Argentina and the Rio de la Plata. Buenos Aires is but a tiny X on the chart. A great title cartouche is surrounded by natives in ceremonial costumes and weaponry with animals, and another cartouche is flanked by putti. Ships and sea battles embellish the ocean.

References:

Condition: A

A dark impression on watermarked paper with a hint of offsetting at right, a professionally repaired chip in bottom blank margin, and narrow margins, as issued.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $180

Closed on 6/12/2013

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