"Africa", Ortelius/Coignet

This handsome miniature map of Africa is lacking a great deal of detail but is interesting for its strange depiction of the Nile, which originates in a large lake south of the Equator. From this lake three large rivers flow to the seas: the Nile to the Mediterranean, the Congo to the Atlantic and what could be the Zambeze to the Indian Ocean. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche and three sailing ships. The map was engraved by the brothers Ambrose and Ferdinand Arsenius who had been assistants to Frans Hogenburg and co-engravers of Ortelius' folio Theatrum. This series of maps was accompanied by text by Michel Coignet and was published by Jan B. Vrients. Latin text on verso.

References: King (2nd ed.) p. 86-87; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8600:333.

Condition: A

A clean and bright example with a dark impression and a professionally repaired chip at top right, not affecting image.