Catalog Archive
Auction 93, Lot 338

"Africae Descriptio", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Africa

Period: 1610 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Minor

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.8 x 5.9 inches
19.8 x 15 cm
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A reduced version of Hondius' superb map of the continent. It is based on the Mercator model with revisions to the coastlines, particularly that of Madagascar. Hondius improved the Cape area by inserting Saldanha Bay and Cape Falco and discarded Cayneca. The map is crisply engraved and decorated with strapwork title and distance scale cartouches, a sea monster, and a sea battle off the coast of "C. Negro".

References: Norwich #27a.

Condition: B

Minor dampstain touching bottom right border, which also has a narrow margin (1/8").

Estimate: $400 - $450

Sold for: $400

Closed on 12/6/2000

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