Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 309

A Foundation Map for the American Southwest

"Nueva Hispania Tabula Nova", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: Southern United States & Mexico

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: La Geografia de Claudio Tolomeo Allessadrino…

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.6 x 7.1 inches
24.4 x 18 cm
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This is a foundation map in the cartography of the American Southwest, and a must for collectors of that region. It is an enlarged version of Gastaldi's map of 1548 with the only notable change being the peninsular Yucatan. The legendary seven cities of Ciuola are prominently depicted and Mexico City is shown floating in a large lake. The place names along the upper Gulf Coast reveal the explorations of Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca and Moscosso. The Mississippi makes its appearance as the Rio de Spiritu Santo and the R. Tontonteanc flows in the vicinity of the Colorado River. Considered the earliest relatively obtainable map of Mexico and the American Southwest. This is the third state according to Burden with the additions of Calmifor for California, Siera Nevad for the Sierra Nevadas and the addition of Mare Pacificum as well as a ship in the Pacific. Italian text on verso.

References: Burden #31; Martin & Martin, plt. 3; Wheat (TMW) #7; Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #227-63; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.PTOL-10f.

Condition: B+

A clean, bright sheet with light offsetting and a few minor creases at top.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500

Sold for: $750

Closed on 2/6/2019

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