"Carte du Paraguay du Chili du Detroit de Magellan &c. Dressee sur les Descriptions des P.P. Alfonse d'Ovalle, et Nicolas Techo...", Delisle, Guillaume

This is the first state of this large, finely engraved map of the southern part of South America with great topographical detail and notations throughout. It delineates the tracks of Magellan, Sarmiento, Brower, Beauchesne, Sharp, Sr. de la Roche, Halley, and Vespucci and shows Amerigo Vespucci's ship sailing in the Atlantic. Northeast of Tierra del Fuego is the mythical Pepys Island, which was fabricated by William Hacke to please Samuel Pepys, the secretary of the British Admiralty. An interesting note in French refers to curious half-bird, half-fish creatures with swan-like necks that swim in the icy waters, with an accompanying illustration. The title cartouche, drawn and engraved by C. Simonneau, features the Notus (the south wind) and Native American figures.

References: Tooley (America) p. 27, #82.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with contemporary outline color on a sheet with a Society of Jesus watermark. There is printer's ink residue, a few minor spots, and faint dampstaining in the top blank margin. Narrow margins, as issued.