Catalog Archive
Auction 122, Lot 667

"Asiae Status Naturalis Dextera Dei Omnipotentis Perfect Geographice Designat", Scherer, Heinrich

Subject: Asia

Period: 1700 (dated)

Publication: Atlas Novus

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.7 x 8.7 inches
34.8 x 22.1 cm
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This interesting map appeared in one of the earliest thematic atlases and shows the distribution and types of fauna in Asia. The stunning cartouche features an elephant, lion, camel, monkeys and exotic birds. Monstrous fish adorn the oceans, and various animals are scattered across the continent. Geographically the map is very imaginative with a bulbous Iedso (Hokkaido) attached to Honshu by a narrow isthmus, and Compagnie Land and Staten Eyland to the north of Hokkaido. Nova Zemba is shown as an island; whereas early cartographers typically depicted only the southern and western coastlines reflecting the discoveries of Barents and Linschoten. The Caspian Sea is depicted with a curious oval shape, and the mythical Lac Chiamay is shown with its five south-flowing rivers. In Southeast Asia Terra dos Papous is separated form New Guinea, I. Celebes (Sulawesi) is far too close to Borneo, and a portion of Australia (Nova Hollandia) is depicted.

References: Yeo #94.

Condition: A

Some spots in margins, with one tiny spot in image, still very good.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 12/5/2007

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