Catalog Archive
Auction 97, Lot 450

"Nova Africae Tabula", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Africa

Period: 1606 (circa)

Publication: Mercator Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14.6 inches
49.5 x 37.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

In 1606 Jodocus Hondius acquired the copperplates of the "Mercator Atlas", to which he added thirty-seven of his own composition, and republished this enormously influential atlas. His map of Africa strongly reflects Mercator's style with the moiré style engraving to denote the oceans and large handsome cartouche of interlocking strap design. It is also geographically based on Mercator except that the coastline, particularly that of Madagascar, is considerably altered. Hondius improved the southern tip by inserting Saldanha Bay and Cape False and discarding Cayneca. The map is embellished with several sailing ships, sea monsters.

References: Norwich #27.

Condition: B

Original color. Light offsetting and oxidation. Repair of some damage to lower centerfold.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 12/5/2001

Archived