Catalog Archive
Auction 106, Lot 513

"A New Map of Libya or old Africk Shewing its general Divisions, most remarkable Countries or People, Cities, Townes, Rivers, Mountains, &c.", Wells, Edward

Subject: Africa

Period: 1701 (circa)

Publication: A New Sett of Maps…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19 x 14.2 inches
48.3 x 36.1 cm
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Wells' atlas contained two maps of each region - one with its then current form and another with ancient and classical names. This is his 'ancient' map and although the whole continent is shown, only the geography of Ptolemy is presented. Therefore, the map is largely blank, particularly in the south, which is noted at Unknown to the Ancients. The only city south of the Equator is Rapta metropolis Barbariae and there is a notation at the tip that Vacquez de Gama was the first to sail around Africa in 1497. The large title cartouche is surmounted by the coat of arms of the Duke of Gloucester.

References: Norwich #60.

Condition: B

Good impression and old color. Light toning along centerfold and a bit of foxing in margins.

Estimate: $450 - $475

Sold for: $325

Closed on 3/3/2004

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