Catalog Archive
Auction 172, Lot 62

"Mappa Fluxus et Refluxus Rationes in Isthmo Americano, in Freto Magellanico, Caeterisque Americae Littoribus Exhibens", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Western Hemisphere - America

Period: 1682 (circa)

Publication: D'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.1 x 13.4 inches
40.9 x 34 cm
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Very unusual map depicting all of South America and most of North America. The map is totally devoid of political detail with the exception of the floating city of Mexico, shown a bit too far north, and California is named. Instead the map features the principal rivers, lakes, mountains and volcanoes in South America. A huge crater lake, probably Lake Titicaca although it is situated too far north, is depicted as the source of the Amazon. The Andes are shown as a range of live volcanoes. Three sailing ships and a strapwork title cartouche adorn the map. Kircher is credited with publishing the first book describing the ocean's currents and this map is a beautiful example of his representations that are surprisingly accurate. Published in the Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World, which was first published in 1665 in Latin under the title Mundus Subterraneus.

References: Burden #382.

Condition: A

A superb impression on a sheet with the watermark "PL" and light, marginal toning.

Estimate: $600 - $750

Sold for: $450

Closed on 4/17/2019

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