Catalog Archive
Auction 153, Lot 704

"Fessae Regnum", Hondius/Purchas

Subject: Northwestern Africa

Period: 1625 (circa)

Publication: Purchas His Pilgrimes

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8 x 6.5 inches
20.3 x 16.5 cm
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This charming small map of Morocco and Algeria extends south to Beninia and Nussini and includes the southern tip of Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar. A bold strapwork title cartouche and an intricate sailing ship embellish the map. On a full sheet of English text (8.7 x 13.4").

At the beginning of the 17th century, Samuel Purchas, an English cleric, set out to publish a compendium of voyages to foreign countries. To illustrate his work, Purchase obtained the rights to use Jodocus Hondius' copperplates from Atlas Minor. Over 60 maps were included in Purchas His Pilgrimes, most of which were from Hondius' plates, with English titles inserted above them. Purchas also had a few additional maps engraved, including those for India, China, Greenland, North America, and Nova Scotia.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.PUR-1a #16.

Condition: A

An attractive example with an extraneous crease along the center of the image and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $120 - $150

Sold for: $90

Closed on 5/20/2015

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