"Carte de l'Afrique...", Bertius/Tavernier

Although the title cartouche credits Petrus Bertius, this map was created by Melchoir Tavernier, and was derived from Hondius' influential maps from 1619 and 1623 (as was Bertius' map from 1624, hence the attribution). The geography is typical for the 17th century and is filled with spurious rivers, mountains and kingdoms. The map is embellished with a variety of exotic animals in the interior, including elephants, ostriches, lions, and even a dragon. The seas are filled with ships, Neptune with his consort, flying fish, and sea monsters. This map was published by Tavernier as part of a set of the four continents. This is the first state.

References: Betz #63.1.

Condition: B+

A fine impression with superb color on watermarked paper with a few light spots of foxing and a professionally repaired tear that just enters map border at bottom left. Very nearly an "A" example.