Catalog Archive
Auction 158, Lot 216

"Islandia", Mercator, Gerard

Subject: Iceland

Period: 1595 (circa)

Publication: Atlas sive Cosmographicae...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.9 x 10.9 inches
42.9 x 27.7 cm
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This important map first appeared in the 1595 edition of Mercator's Atlas. It is similar to Ortelius' map of Iceland (issued five years earlier) and is based on the same source - that of Bishop Gudbrandur Thorláksson. Although the map is far from accurate, it is a marked improvement on earlier maps in both content and execution. The island is depicted with its vast mountains, glaciers, and fiords and the eruption in Hekla. Many places of interest are named, and the settlements are fairly well located. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a sea monster, and a distance scale topped with dividers. Latin text on verso.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #1250:1A.

Condition: B+

On a watermarked sheet with a worm track in the top border and a few tiny centerfold separations all closed on verso with archival material. Minor soiling along the centerfold.

Estimate: $600 - $750

Sold for: $375

Closed on 6/22/2016

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