"Fretum Magellani", Hondius/Purchas

Splendid little map featuring the Strait of Magellan. The map is centered on a large, finely engraved, compass rose and further embellished with strapwork title and distance scale cartouches. English text on verso.

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 #59.

Condition: A

A nice impression with attractive color and a few minor spots. A separation along the plate mark at top left has been archivally repaired, not affecting the image.