Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 837

"The Gallapagos Islands Discovered and Described by Capt. Cowley in 1684", Bowen, Emanuel

Subject: Galapagos Islands

Period: 1744 (circa)

Publication: Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8 x 12.5 inches
20.3 x 31.8 cm
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Delightful map of the Galapagos from a book published by John Harris. The islands were all given names by Cowley to flatter English royalty back home, so we have here named The Duke of Albemarle's I (Isabella), Narborough Isl, (Fernandina) and Duke of Norfolk's Island (St. Cristobal) to name a few. The cartography is not totally precise yet, but the shapes are very clear. There is some interesting text at the bottom describing the tortoises to be found there, as well as the misfortune of listening to buccaneer's descriptions about the water and 'other conveniences' to be found on the islands. A beautifully engraved floral cartouche tops the map along with a handsome compass rose.

References:

Condition: B

Few spots of foxing in map with attractive old color.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $375

Closed on 12/6/2006

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