Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 766

"[Title on Verso] Tab. Mo. Secundae Partis Aphricae", Ptolemy/Fries

Subject: Southern Africa

Period: 1525 (published)

Publication: Claudii Ptolemaei Geographicae…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.1 x 12.2 inches
43.4 x 31 cm
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This woodcut map of southern Africa is a reduced version of Waldseemuller's map of 1513. The map extends north to the equator, and includes part of Madagascar. The coastlines are filled with the names of rivers and bays, primarily from Portuguese sources. The Mountains of the Moon (Mone Lune) are shown at top with a notation that they are the source of the Nile River. The interior contains a few additional sparse details, including additional loaf-like mountain ranges, spurious rivers, three kings on their thrones, an elephant, a dragon, and several serpents. The King of Portugal is depicted riding a sea monster while holding the flag of Portugal.

References: Norwich #150; Betz, pp. 55-56; Tooley (MCC-30) #S4; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.PTOL-7b.

Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with wide, original margins and a printer's crease at bottom right that has been pressed flat. There are a couple of small holes in blank margins that have been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900

Sold for: $1,300

Closed on 9/4/2013

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