Catalog Archive
Auction 181, Lot 674

"Totius Africae Nova Repraesentatio qua Praeter Diversos in ea Status et Regiones, Etiam Origo Nili ex Veris RR PP Missionariorum Relationibus Ostenditur", Homann, Johann Baptist

Subject: Africa

Period: 1716 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.5 x 19.3 inches
57.2 x 49 cm
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Handsome, large map of the continent with the typical inaccuracies of eighteenth century cartography. The map conforms to the twin lake configuration for the source of the Nile and a lengthy paragraph on the map purports to provide evidence of the accuracy of this theory based on the work of Heinrich Scherer. The geographical features are identical to the map that Johann engraved for Jacob von Sandrart, circa 1697, prior to Homann establishing his own publishing firm. The political boundaries and the large title cartouche are different. The cartouche is filled with interesting imagery including the pyramids, ivory trading, the source of the Nile, a troop of monkeys (throwing rocks at their hunters), kings, chiefs and warriors, a fat-tailed sheep with its tail supported by a wagon, and cherubs bringing salvation to the continent.

References: Norwich #72.

Condition: B+

Contemporary color in the map with later color in the cartouche. There is light soiling and the margins are narrow, as issued. There are professional repairs to a short centerfold separation at top and the bottom margin has been extended a bit at center.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $375

Closed on 2/10/2021

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