"Atlas Novus ad Usum Serenissimi Burgundiae Ducis - Atlas Francois...", Covens & Mortier

The famous Dutch artist Romain de Hooghe engraved this beautiful allegorical title page. The resplendent scene depicts Europa receiving tribute from the peoples of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Opposite, the figure of Geography is unfurling a map for Mars. In the background Atlas holds up the heavens and Apollo drives his chariot across the sky. In the foreground, several river gods and goddesses empty their vases while Triton blows his conch horn. A cartouche at bottom contains the title, Atlas Francois, and acknowledges the source of the maps as those by Nicolas Sanson.

References: Shirley (TP) #72.

Condition: B+

Light soiling and toning with a small chip at top right, well away from the image.