Catalog Archive
Auction 147, Lot 323

"Residuum Continentis cum Adiacentibus Insulis", Wytfliet, Cornelis

Subject: Northern South America & Caribbean

Period: 1597 (circa)

Publication: Descriptionis Ptolemaicae Augmentum…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.5 x 9 inches
29.2 x 22.9 cm
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This map of the southern Caribbean islands and the coastline of Venezuela appeared in Wytfliet's Descriptionis Ptolemaicae Augmentum…, which is considered the earliest atlas to focus on the Americas. Wytfliet's work was referred to as a continuation of Ptolemy, despite the fact that there was no connection with Ptolemy except for his name on the title page. Wytfliet compiled his atlas using multiple published sources, including Ramusio, Hakluyt and De Bry. This map depicts coastal towns, rivers and the mountainous topography of Venezuela, and is adorned with a strapwork cartouche and a moiré-patterned sea.

References: Phillips (Atlases) #1140 & #3644-8; Nordenskiold #307-8.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on watermarked paper with some printer's ink residue, a hint of toning, a crease adjacent to centerfold, and a minor abrasion in an unengraved area of South America.

Estimate: $600 - $750

Sold for: $300

Closed on 11/20/2013

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