Catalog Archive
Auction 149, Lot 144

One of the Most Important 17th Century Maps of the Chesapeake Bay - Full Original Color

"Nova Virginiae Tabula", Hondius/Blaeu

Subject: Colonial Mid-Atlantic United States

Period: 1642 (circa)

Publication: Toonneel des Aerdrycks

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.9 x 14.8 inches
48 x 37.6 cm
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The early settlement of Jamestown is noted as Iamestowne, and there are a number of other place names, both English and Native American. The map was derived from Capt. John Smith's map of 1612, which was the first to depict the bay and its tributaries with any accuracy. In the upper left corner is an engraving of the great Indian chief, Powhatan, seated on his throne and surrounded by his subjects. A Susquehanna chief is depicted on the right under the British coat-of-arms and a key cartouche. The plate was engraved by Dirck Grijp and was originally published by Jodocus Hondius Jr. in 1618. It was purchased by Willem Blaeu shortly after Hondius' death (1629) and Blaeu's imprint replaced that of Hondius. Dutch text on verso, published between 1642-64.

References: Burden #193; Portinaro & Knirsch KXXIV; Tooley (Amer) p. 161-62; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9410:2.2.

Condition: A

A nice impression with original color and wide, original margins. There are a few minor spots of printer's ink residue, faint show-through of text on verso, and very faint damp stains confined to the bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,500

Sold for: $1,850

Closed on 5/21/2014

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