"Tractus Australior Americae Meridionalis, a Rio de la Plata per Fretum Magellanicum ad Toraltum / Nieuwe Perfecte Pascaert van 't Suyderlyckste deel van Suyt America, van Rio de la Plata door de Straet Magellaen tot Toral", Renard/De Wit

This very striking sea chart depicts the southern part of South America from the Rio de la Plata to Tierra del Fuego, showing the Straits of Magellan. The chart is topped with a magnificent title cartouche featuring natives mining and offering gifts to their European masters. The sea is decorated with a group of ships engaged in battle. Despite being unsigned, the grand cartouche and embellishments are most likely the work of the famous Dutch etcher Romain de Hooghe. This is the Renard edition of the map that was first published by Frederick de Wit, circa 1675.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) M.REN-1a.

Condition: B

A crisp impression with full contemporary color and some light stains. There are several short cracks due to oxidation and a 9.25" centerfold separation and associated tear that have all been repaired on verso with archival materials.