Catalog Archive
Auction 145, Lot 771

"Guinea", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Western Africa

Period: 1640 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.5 x 15 inches
52.1 x 38.1 cm
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Elegantly engraved map covering the coast from Sierra Leone to Gabon. The land is filled with animals and the sea is decorated with ships and compass roses. The large title cartouche is flanked by two natives and topped by a very human-looking monkey. On the left of the title is a dedication cartouche to D. Nicolao Tulp, a famous Dutch doctor, and to the right two child-like sea creatures carry a large elephant tusk, representing the flourishing ivory trade. Latin text on verso describes the country, with page number 5 at upper left.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #63; Norwich #315.

Condition: A

A fine, sharp impression and lovely old color with light toning. There are a couple light spots in the blank margins and an expert repair on a short centerfold split, well away from the map.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $375

Closed on 6/12/2013

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