Catalog Archive
Auction 107, Lot 8

"Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: World

Period: 1638 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 9.8 inches
35.6 x 24.9 cm
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Beautifully engraved world map on Mercator's projection. The cartography was closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. Latin title at top, outside neatline, with German gothic script title and a notation concerning the discovery of the Americas in 1492 that covers the unknown interior of North America. There is a large southern continent connected to New Guinea, California is a peninsula, and there are plenty of open ended waterways in the eastern part of North America, which leave open the question of a Northwest Passage. Two polar projections in lower corners. The map is richly adorned with sea monsters, galleons and compass roses. First state with Merian's signature bottom right.

References: Shirley #345.

Condition: A+

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300

Sold for: $1,700

Closed on 6/9/2004

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