Catalog Archive
Auction 170, Lot 597

"Argonautica", Kaerius/Jansson

Subject: Eastern Mediterranean & Black Sea

Period: 1741 (published)

Publication: Description Exacte de l'Univers, ou l'Ancienne Geographie Sacree et Profane

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14.8 inches
49.5 x 37.6 cm
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This decorative map illustrates the geography of the Golden Fleece legend, covering from Italy to the Black Sea. The Argonautica is a Greek epic poem that tells the myth of the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts to retrieve the fleece from the mythical land of Colchis. The map is based on Ortelius' map of the same title. Insets in three corners show Europe, Thessaly (home of the Argonauts), and Hellespont and Propontis (the waterway connecting the Aegean and Black Seas). Beautifully engraved and embellished by Petrus Kaerius -- at the age of 74 -- is noted at lower left. Blank verso, published in Pieter de Hondt's Description Exacte de l'Univers, ou l'Ancienne Geographie Sacree et Profane, a French edition of Georgius Hornius' Accuratissima Orbis Antiqui Delineatio, which included maps from Johannes Jansson's historical atlas and Abraham Ortelius' Parergon.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #0310H:1.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a clean sheet with wide margins and minor toning along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 11/14/2018

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