Catalog Archive
Auction 154, Lot 348

"America Meridionalis", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: South America

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.4 x 14.1 inches
49.3 x 35.8 cm
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Superb folio map of the continent that was added by Jodocus Hondius for publication in his continuation of the Mercator Atlas. The interior features the large mythical Parime Lacus straddling the equator and an equally interesting river system. The huge Rio de la Plata flows south from the conjectural Eupana Lacus in Brazil, while the R. Grande flows north from the same lake to join the Amazon River. The Strait of Magellan is shown, but Tierra del Fuego is part of the large southern continent. The map is beautifully engraved with a wave pattern in the oceans, which are filled with ships, sea monsters and a native canoe. The continent is flanked by two elaborate cartouches; title to the right and a large inset plan of Cusco incorporated into the distance scale cartouche on the left. A Native American is seen with a bow and arrow in the interior. French text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9800:1A.

Condition: B+

Full original color on watermarked paper with light toning. There is scattered foxing primarily confined to the blank margins, and several damp stains in top blank margin, away from image.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $650

Closed on 9/16/2015

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