Catalog Archive
Auction 88, Lot 317

"Africae nova Tabula", Hondius

Subject: Africa

Period: 1631 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 15 inches
50.8 x 38.1 cm
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Richly ornamented map of the continent. Decorative title cartouche surrounded by a wreath and topped with an animal head. There are seven ships under full sail, one of which is firing a cannon. Flying fish and various sea monsters decorate the sea, and in the lower left corner Neptune is shown with a comely mermaid. Elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches and other exotic animals occupy the interior. Cartographically based on the early work of Speed and Blaeu, the map is filled with fictitious rivers and mountains. The origin of the Nile conforms to the Ptolemaic tradition of the two twin lakes. The Kingdom of Monomotapa occupies a large area of southern Africa. Ref: Norwich #34. Lovely original color. Short split in bottom margin, well outside image, else fine.

References:

Condition: A

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 10/2/1999

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