Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 614

"Asia ex Magna Orbis Terre Descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris Desumpta, Studio et Industria G.M. Iunioris", Mercator, Gerard (the younger)

Subject: Asia

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.4 x 14.9 inches
46.7 x 37.8 cm
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Derived from the elder Mercator’s world map of 1569, this map of Asia was engraved by his grandson. The coasts of Northeast Asia and Northwest North America are separated by Gastaldi's fabled Strait of Anian. South of this strait a beautifully engraved galleon gives speculation to the possibility of a northern route to Asia. Sumatra has a curiously archaic outline, while the relationship between New Guinea and Terra Australis is left to the viewer's imagination. The place names, Beach, Regio, Lucach and Maletur are all taken from Marco Polo's account, but erroneously ascribed to locations in the vicinity of present-day Australia. French text on verso.

References: Yeo #13; Parry #3.13, Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8000:1A.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on watermarked paper with full original color. There is light toning, some color offsetting, and light scattered foxing. There are professional repairs to a short separation along the centerfold in India and to a tear in the left blank margin.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500

Sold for: $650

Closed on 9/14/2016

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