Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 766

"Guinea", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Western Africa

Period: 1663-80 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.5 x 15 inches
52.1 x 38.1 cm
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Elegantly engraved map covering the coast from Sierra Leone to Gabon. The land is filled with animals and the sea is decorated with ships and compass roses. The large title cartouche is flanked by two natives and topped by a very human-looking monkey. On the left of the title is a dedication cartouche to D. Nicolao Tulp, a famous Dutch doctor, and to the right two child-like sea creatures carry a large elephant tusk, representing the flourishing ivory trade. German text on verso describes the country.

References: Goss (Blaeu) #63; Norwich #315.

Condition: B+

Dark impression on a full sheet with wide margins and fine coloring. There is some general staining or offsetting.

Estimate: $475 - $550

Sold for: $275

Closed on 12/3/2008

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