Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 641

"Africae Descriptio", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Africa

Period: 1609 (published)

Publication: Atlas Minor

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.8 x 5.9 inches
19.8 x 15 cm
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This small map is based on Hondius' superb map of the continent. Using the Mercator model, there are revisions to the coastlines, particularly that of Madagascar. Hondius improved the Cape area by inserting Saldanha Bay and Cape Falco and discarding Cayneca. The map is crisply engraved and decorated with strapwork title and distance scale cartouches, a sea monster, and a sea battle off the coast of C. Negro. German text on verso.

References: Betz #53; Norwich #27a; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) 8600:351.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light toning and soiling, mostly concentrated at bottom right. There are a few tiny chips at bottom right that have been repaired with old paper on verso.

Estimate: $240 - $300

Unsold

Closed on 2/12/2020

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