Subject: Northwestern Africa
Period: 1619 (published)
Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.1 x 14.1 inches
48.5 x 35.8 cm
This is one of the most decorative maps of the important kingdoms of Fez and Morocco. A large inset titled Penon de Velez shows the Spanish fort off the Barbary Coast. The map extends into the Atlantic to include the Canary Islands and Madeira. It is richly engraved and embellished with three strapwork cartouches and the sea is filled with ships and a sea monster. This is the first of two maps of the region that were made for Mercator's Atlas. French text on verso.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8615:1A.
Condition: B+
A dark impression with light offsetting at right, light overall toning, and minor scattered foxing, mostly confined to the blank margins. There are faint damp stains along the edges of the sheet.