Catalog Archive
Auction 129, Lot 756

"Tartaria", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Northern Asia

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
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This splendid map covers all of northern Asia from Moscow to the Anian Fretum and Americae Pars. Korea is shown as an island. Illustrations include the Great Wall in China, rivers, villages, mountains etc. The newly discovered northern coastline of Nova Zembla is shown with a notation concerning the Dutch expedition led by Willem Barents in 1594-96. Interesting notations in Siberia, Ung quae Gog and Sumongul quae Mogog, refer to the mythological lands of Gog and Magog. These lands, noted in the Bible as being situated in the remotest parts of the earth, were originally depicted on maps just north of Israel. The map is beautifully decorated with costumed people, a camp scene and three large strapwork cartouches. It is a fabulous example of Hondius' engraving style. German text on verso.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $750 - $900

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 9/23/2009

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