"Africae Nova Descriptio", Seile, Anae

Henry Seile originated this map in 1652. After his death, his widow Anne continued the business and had the maps re-engraved by Robert Vaughan for her own edition of Heylin's Cosmography. The cartography is typical of 17th century maps with the Nile originating in the lakes of Zaire and Zaflan. The course of the River Niger is erroneously mapped and there are many fictitious lakes in Central Africa. The interior is filled with elephants, lions, ostriches, and a giraffe, and the oceans contain sailing ships and sea monsters. The title is contained in a simple strapwork cartouche.

References: Norwich #36.

Condition: A

Very crisp impression and good margins, which is uncommon for this map. Weakness and slight separation on platemark, else very fine.