Catalog Archive
Auction 151, Lot 337

"Nova Hispania Nova Galicia Guatimala", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Mexico & Central America

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.1 x 11.5 inches
35.8 x 29.2 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: A

A dark impression with attractive color on watermarked paper. There is light printer's ink residue at top and a printer's crease at bottom adjacent to centerfold that has been pressed flat.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $250

Closed on 11/19/2014

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