Catalog Archive
Auction 100, Lot 261

"Exquisita & Magno aliquot mensium Periculo Lustrata etiam Retecta Freti Magellanica Facies…", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: South America - Southern

Period: 1631 (circa)

Publication: Atlas

Color: Black & White

Size:
18.2 x 13.5 inches
46.2 x 34.3 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

An exquisite map of the Strait of Magellan showing soundings and navigational hazards in this strategic waterway. The map is one of the most beautifully embellished maps of the Mercator Atlas centered on an elaborate compass rose with three large strapwork cartouches: penguins flank the title, a navigational compass in incorporated into the distance scale, and an inset coastal view fills the last cartouche. Sea lions, a whale and a fleet of ships complete the composition.

References:

Condition: B

Sharp impression. Small ink stain just below distance scale. Tissue repairs on centerfold and an unobtrusive tear extending 2 1/2" into map at inset. Couple of very tiny wormholes in un-engraved areas.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,200

Sold for: $600

Closed on 9/12/2002

Archived