One of the Most Important 17th Century Maps of the Chesapeake Bay

"Nova Virginiae Tabula", Hondius, Henricus

This graphic map is Henricus Hondius' version of Capt. John Smith's important map of 1612, drawn from his brother's map of 1618. After the death of Jodocus Hondius in 1629, his widow sold a number of plates to Blaeu. Angry at the sale to a competitor, Henricus and Joannes Jansson engaged engravers to cut new plates, which were largely based on Jodocus' work. This is the 5th derivative of Smith's map. It is beautifully engraved with topographical features and the locations of scores of Indian villages. 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, facing in toward Chesapeake Bay (opposite of Jodocus' plate), is depicted on the right under a coat of arms. This is a rare and early example with no text on verso, published between 1630-31.

References: Burden #228; Tooley (Amer) pp. 165-66; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9410:1.

Condition: B+

A dark, crisp impression with a couple of tiny spots. Professionally backed on linen to repair a short centerfold separation at top, two tears that enter 0.5" and 2.5" into image at bottom center, and a chip in the far blank margin at bottom right. Narrow top margin but still sufficient for framing.