Catalog Archive
Auction 93, Lot 13

"Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: World

Period: 1646 (circa)

Publication: New Archontologia Cosmica

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 9.7 inches
35.6 x 24.6 cm
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Beautifully engraved world map on Mercator's projection. The cartography was closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. Latin title at top, outside neatline with German script title and notation concerning the discovering of the Americas in 1492 which discusses the unknown interior of North America. There is a large southern continent connected to New Guinea, California is a peninsula and there are plenty of open ended waterways in the eastern part of North America, which leave open the question of a Northwest Passage. Two polar projections in lower corners. The map is adorned with sea monsters, galleons and compass roses.

References: Shirley 345.

Condition: A

Fine impression. Old repair on top centerfold and tiny hole in margin.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,700

Sold for: $2,100

Closed on 12/6/2000

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