"Africae Dei Mater Alicubi Nota & haec Ibidem Benefica", Scherer, Heinrich

While this map is primarily focused on Africa, it also covers much of Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, the South Atlantic, and most of Brazil and the Caribbean Islands. The Christian theme of this map of Africa is boldly presented in the graphic illustration of a Jesuit and a native African kneeling before the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The map itself is a fine example of the state of geographic knowledge (or lack thereof) at the beginning of the 18th century. The continent is presented with a fairly accurate coastline, but most of the interior is entirely fictional. The Nile is shown in the traditional manner with its source in the large southern lakes of Zaflan and Zembre. The Zembre, also labeled Lac Zaire, spawns the Congo and Zaire Rivers as well. The locations of Catholic churches and missions are prominently shown. A missionary ship is shown off the coast of Brazil.

References: Betz #169; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SHER-1a #38.

Condition: B

A sharp impression on a bright sheet. There is light dampstaining at the bottom, with a few associated short tears and chips that have been repaired with archival materials.