Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 387

Map of Bermuda Based on Richard Norwood's Famous Survey in Full Original Color

"Mappa Aestivarum Insularum, Alias Barmudas Dictarum, ad Ostia Mexicani Aestuary Jacetium...", Hondius, Henricus

Subject: Bermuda

Period: 1639 (circa)

Publication: Nouveau Theatre du Monde

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.3 x 15.5 inches
51.6 x 39.4 cm
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A striking map based on the famous survey by Richard Norwood of the Bermuda Company, also known as the Somers Isles Company, in 1618. The map shows the division into the original Tribes, a short-lived term for the major shareholders in the company, that became administrative parishes. Also shown are the various landowners, with their names in a table below the map. There are many tiny houses shown on the map, locating settlements, as well as minute cannons marking the defensible points. The map is superimposed over a chart of the Atlantic with the coastlines of Britain, North America, and Hispaniola showing the location of Bermuda. Decorated with an exquisite strapwork cartouche, a coat of arms, a medallion and a compass rose. French text on verso, published between 1639-49.

References: Palmer (MCC-19) #8; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9660:1.1.

Condition: B+

Full original color on watermarked paper with light toning and soiling. There is a centerfold separation in top blank margin.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 9/14/2016

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