Catalog Archive
Auction 89, Lot 48

"Nova Totius Americae Descriptio",

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1666 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.5 x 17 inches
54.6 x 43.2 cm
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An uncommon and splendid carte-et-figures map of the western hemisphere. The map combines many different sources including the Luke Foxe model of the ISLAND OF CALIFORNIA. The only hint of the Great Lakes is a small 'L Contenant' at the end of the St. Lawrence River. 'New Neder Land' occupies the eastern seaboard and there is no mention of any English settlement. In South America a large river and lake system provides the boundary of Brazil. The decorations were taken from van den Keere's map of 1614. The figures at sides depict the natives of Virginia, Magellanica, and Brazil, and the cities across the top include Cusco, Mexico, Olinda, Havana, S. Dominique, and Cartegena. The map is further embellished with a title cartouche bearing a native Indian mounted on an armadillo, and Neptune frolicking in the Pacific with mermaids and sea horses. Ref: Burden 356, McLaughlin #24 and Tooley (America) #18. The map has been expertly repaired along the centerfold, some worm tracks have been in-filled with facsimile of a few engraved lines. The map was then backed with light paper to stabilize it. Very professional conservation work preserving fine original color. $4000 RESERVE

References:

Condition: A

Estimate: $5,000 - $6,000

Sold for: $4,000

Closed on 12/8/1999

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