Catalog Archive
Auction 121, Lot 79

"Idea Naturalis Americae Borealis Digito dei Formata Geographice Proposita", Scherer, Heinrich

Subject: North America

Period: 1700 (dated)

Publication: Atlas Novus

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.8 x 8.8 inches
35.1 x 22.4 cm
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This captivating map of North America focuses on the natural features of the continent. It features a huge island of California, an oversized depiction of the Great Lakes, and a misplaced Mississippi River delta. It is decorated with two cartouches, one is capped with a globe revealing the Western Hemisphere and the other, at the lower left corner, is surrounded with exotic animals, most not native to North America such as a rhinoceros and a lion. The most alluring feature of the map are the multitude of fanciful wildlife on the land with sea-life and monsters filling the oceans, including lobsters, mermaids and many more that defy description.

References: Burden (II) #772; McLaughlin #140.

Condition: A+

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700

Sold for: $2,000

Closed on 9/26/2007

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