"Africa Vetus...", Sanson, Guillaume
Subject: Africa
Period: 1667 (dated)
Publication: Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde…
Color: Hand Color
Size:
22 x 15.9 inches
55.9 x 40.4 cm
This elegantly engraved map of the continent features an unusual coastline with numerous inlets. The map is divided into regions with classical names, and all the tribes of southern Africa are labeled Anthropophagi Aethiopes (cannibals). The interior geography is standard for the period with the Ptolemaic twin lakes conception of the Nile's origin. A wreath-style cartouche flanked by putti encloses the title. On this state, Mariette's imprint has been replaced with "Apud Autorem."
References: Betz #106; Norwich #41; cf. Pastoureau, SANSON V D [203].
Condition: B+
A dark impression with contemporary outline color on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. There is light offsetting and some damp staining that enters the map image at top.
