Catalog Archive
Auction 110, Lot 268

"Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali ac Regiones Adiacentes, a C. de May usque ad Lineam Aequinoctialem", Visscher, Nicolas

Subject: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Period: 1680 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.2 x 18 inches
56.4 x 45.7 cm
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Superb map of the Caribbean covering the region from the Chesapeake through the Gulf of Mexico, with Central America and the northern part of South America. Two decorative cartouches with cherubs and mermaids adorn opposite corners. Eight ships sail the seas and three native canoes are depicted off the coast of North America. A number of interesting cartographic myths appear on the map, including two large nonexistent lakes in the region of western Georgia, a mountain range extending from the Piedmonts right across the continent, and the archetypal cartographic myth, El Dorado, located on Lacus Parime in Guyana.

References: Portinaro & Knirsch #82.

Condition: A

Fine impression and original color. Unobtrusive light stain near title cartouche, still very good.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,000

Sold for: $1,900

Closed on 3/2/2005

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