Catalog Archive
Auction 177, Lot 4

Scarce Chart of the World with Island of California and Recent Dutch Discoveries

"Wassende Graade Kaart van alle Bekende Zeekusten op den Geheelen Aardbodem", Keulen, Johannes van

Subject: World

Period: 1697 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe Groote Lichtende Zee-Fakkel 't Tweede Deel...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.7 x 20.2 inches
60.2 x 51.3 cm
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This scarce chart of the world was issued in Keulen's De Nieuwe Groote Lichtende Zee-Fakkel 't Tweede Deel... and prepared by Claas Jansz. Vooght. Drawn on Mercator's projection, the chart prominently depicts the Island of California with an indented northern coastline and a completely blank coast above de Straat Anian. It presents partial coastlines for Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania, documenting the Dutch discoveries in the region. Off the coast of Japan is a partial and spurious coastline of Compagnies Land based upon the discoveries of Marten De Vries. Although Van Keulen included a separate sea chart of the entrance to Hudson Bay in his Zee-Fakkel in 1680, his depiction of the region differs quite significantly in this world map. James Island (Baffin Island) is quite tapered and extends further north, and Buttons Bay (Hudson Bay) and Baffin Bay are also more narrow. The chart is filled with rhumb lines and contains a relatively small number of coastal place names, focusing primarily on capes, bays, and rivers. Countries and colonies are also noted, with a few cities identified, including Manhattan and Boston. The map is adorned by three sailing ships, two compass roses, and a decorative title cartouche featuring a lion, a Roman soldier, and a female figure representing knowledge. Engraved by P. Pickart. First issued in Keulen's 1682 edition of the Zee-Fakkel and presented here in the second state with the privilege added to the title.

References: Shirley #512; Wagner #444; Shirley (BL Atlases) #M.KEU-2d #1.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a bright sheet with contemporary color that has been refreshed. There are professional repairs to a tiny tear in Greenland, a 1/4" hole at top right, and several small worm holes. The sheet has been professionally de-acidified and remargined at bottom, with the bottom border skillfully replaced in facsimile, although without the degrees of longitude.

Estimate: $4,750 - $6,000

Sold for: $3,750

Closed on 4/29/2020

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