Subject: Africa - Western
Period: 1606 (circa)
Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris Atlas sive Cosmographicae
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.5 x 13.5 inches
49.5 x 34.3 cm
Great map of western Africa from Senegal, Rio Senega, to Cape Lopez on the Gulf of Guinea just below the equator. The map reflects the Portuguese exploration and settlement in the region and includes a large inset of the Island of St. Thomas. The map is one of six new maps of Africa to be included in Hondius' first edition of Mercator's Atlas. Beautifully embellished in Hondius' florid engraving style with strapwork title cartouches and a Portuguese ship and native sailing boat. French text on verso.
References: Norwich #316.
Condition: A
Dark impression and attractive later color. Tissue repairs on a few edge tears, all well away from map.
