Catalog Archive
Auction 172, Lot 319

"Novissima et Accuratissima Jamaicae Descriptio ", Ogilby, John

Subject: Jamaica

Period: 1671 (dated)

Publication: America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the New World...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.1 x 17.2 inches
53.6 x 43.7 cm
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This important English map became the model for many later maps of the island. In 1670, Sir Thomas Modyford ordered a survey of the island, which was completed by John Man, the Surveyor General of Jamaica from 1661-71. The following year, John Ogilby, John Seller and Richard Blome each used the survey to publish maps of Jamaica.

Ogilby's map, which closely resembles Seller's version, shows showing the island divided into precincts. The most prominent settlements are depicted with the landowners named in the large key at bottom. Port Royal is correctly located, and there are numerous settlements shown in the southern portion of the island. Anchorages, rocks, shoals and depth soundings are identified along the coastline. The map is handsomely embellished with three strapwork cartouches, including a distance scale featuring two putti. Additional decorative elements include pairs of compass roses, sea monsters, and sailing ships. Engraved by Francis Lamb.

Ogilby's America was comprised primarily of maps copied from Arnoldus Montanus' description of America, De Nieuwe en Onbekende of Beschryving van America, with the exception of the maps of America, Maryland, and Jamaica, which were newly engraved for Ogilby's work.

References: Kapp (MCC-42) #13; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.OGIL-2a #23.

Condition: B

Issued folding, now pressed, on watermarked paper with attractive color and professional repairs to several tiny holes and short tears along the fold within the table at bottom. Chips at left and bottom right have been expertly repaired with the image seamlessly replaced in facsimile. The areas of facsimile comprise 6" of the border at left, 10" of the border at right, the right half of the distance scale cartouche, and just the very eastern tip of the island. Due to the expert repair work, this map presents itself very well.

Estimate: $475 - $600

Sold for: $350

Closed on 4/17/2019

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