"Guinea", Jansson, Jan

This is one of the most graphic and beautiful maps covering the coast from Sierra Leone to Gabon. The land is filed with animals and the sea is decorated with ships, sea monsters and compass roses. The large title cartouche features a native couple and four apes, one of which strongly resembles a human. To the left of the title, two child-like sea creatures carry a large elephant tusk, representing the flourishing ivory trade. French text on verso, published between 1639-49 in an edition of Nouveau Theatre du Monde or Nouvel Atlas.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8700:1B.

Condition: B+

Contemporary outline color with light scattered foxing, a bit of show-through of text on verso, and marginal soiling. There is minor extraneous creasing and a tiny tear along the centerfold.