Catalog Archive
Auction 172, Lot 620

"Asia ex Magna Orbis Terre Descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris Desumpta, Studio et Industria G.M. Iunioris", Mercator, Gerard (the younger)

Subject: Asia

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.4 x 14.8 inches
46.7 x 37.6 cm
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Derived from the elder Mercator’s world map of 1569, this map of Asia was engraved by his grandson. The coasts of Northeast Asia and Northwest North America are separated by Gastaldi's fabled Strait of Anian. South of this strait a beautifully engraved galleon gives speculation to the possibility of a northern route to Asia. Sumatra has a curiously archaic outline, while the relationship between New Guinea and Terra Australis is left to the viewer's imagination. The place names, Beach, Regio, Lucach and Maletur are all taken from Marco Polo's account, but erroneously ascribed to locations in the vicinity of present-day Australia. French text on verso.

References: Yeo #13; Parry #3.13, Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8000:1A.

Condition: A

A superb impression on a clean, bright sheet with a small hole along the centerfold at the bottom of the image that has been professionally repaired with a minor amount of image skillfully replaced in facsimile.

Estimate: $900 - $1,100

Sold for: $650

Closed on 4/17/2019

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