Catalog Archive
Auction 148, Lot 355

"Nova Hispania Nova Galicia Guatimala", Montanus/Ogilby

Subject: Central America

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: America

Color: Black & White

Size:
14 x 11.4 inches
35.6 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 well-engraved map, based on the cartography of Hessel Gerritsz, includes Mexico through Costa Rica with nice detail. It also includes the U.S. Gulf coast, southwest Florida and a bit of Cuba with less detail. The large pictorial cartouche depicts Native Americans loading goods for a European merchant.

References:

Condition: B

A fine impression with wide margins, slightly uneven toning, a small hole near center of map, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation in bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $220 - $300

Sold for: $210

Closed on 2/19/2014

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