Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 286

"Paraquaria Vulgo Paraguay. Cum Adjacentibus", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Central South America, Paraguay

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.5 x 11.3 inches
36.8 x 28.7 cm
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Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

This fine map, based on Blaeu's rare map of the region, shows the mountains, rivers, forests and settlements. Good interior detail covers Uruguay with part of present-day Argentina and the Rio de la Plata. Buenos Aires is but a tiny X on the chart. A great title cartouche is surrounded by natives in ceremonial costumes and weaponry with animals, and another cartouche is flanked by putti. Ships and sea battles embellish the ocean.

References:

Condition: B

On a sheet with a jester watermark and light uneven toning. The top left corner has been reattached with tape. There is a printer's crease adjacent to centerfold and a few short edge tears that just enter map border that have been expertly repaired.

Estimate: $150 - $180

Sold for: $100

Closed on 6/9/2021

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