Catalog Archive
Auction 186, Lot 207

Blaeu's Decorative Map of the Southeast

"Virginiae Partis Australis, et Floridae Partis Orientalis, Interjacentiumq Regionum Nova Descriptio", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Colonial Southeast United States

Period: 1643 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.9 x 15.2 inches
50.5 x 38.6 cm
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This lovely map of the Southeast extends from the southern part of Chesapeake Bay to northern Florida. Cartographically it improves on the Hondius map of 1606, on which it was derived, with the Chesapeake Bay correctly indicated as a large bay and the Carolinas and Georgian coasts depicted more accurately. The map presents the English and French colonial interests in the region as depicted by their respective royal arms. At the southern end of the Appalachians is a note concerning gold and silver mines. Richly decorated with a large cartouche flanked by Native Americans. The Atlantic Ocean contains two compass roses, three sailing ships and two aquatic putti holding the German scale of miles. This is the second state of the map with Latin text on verso published between 1643-55.

References: Burden #253; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9400:2.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a wide-margined sheet with a large watermark of the god Atlas. There is very light toning and foxing, a bit of printer's ink residue, a short centerfold separation in the bottom blank margin, and a separation that enters 1" into image at top that has been closed on verso with paper tape.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $750

Closed on 2/9/2022

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