Subject: Pacific Ocean
Period: 1657 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
21.5 x 17.2 inches
54.6 x 43.7 cm
This significant map covers the whole Pacific Ocean along with the western coastlines of the Americas, Japan, and a bit of New Guinea and Cape York, showing the recent Dutch discoveries there. The top of the chart is dominated by a Terra Incognita and a curious chain of islands thread their way across the South Pacific. A legend identifies these islands as being discovered by Hernando Galego in 1576. A large Island of California appears, based on the Briggs type, most probably using Abraham Goos' map as a model. The chart is centered on a compass rose with rhumb lines and is ornamented with a great title cartouche with Asian figures and the distance scale with putti using navigational instruments. First state, French text on verso.
References: Burden #292; McLaughlin #11; Tooley (Amer) p. 114, #10; Wagner (NW) #359.
Condition: B
Fine original color. Slight uneven toning and light damp stains at bottom with that area backed with Japanese tissue.