Subject: South America - Southern
Period: 1646 (circa)
Publication: Le Theatre du Monde…
Color: Hand Color
Size:
21.5 x 16.5 inches
54.6 x 41.9 cm
Impressive map of the tip of South America showing the Strait of Magellan and Le Maire Strait. The coastlines are depicted as very mountainous, while the interior is completely without detail. A beautiful sheet, it is richly arrayed with rhumb lines, three compass roses, a fleet of ships, a coat of arms and a Latinized dedication to the artist and scientist Constantine Huygens. There are three strapwork cartouches -- title, key and scale featuring a family group of natives. The map bears Willem Blaeu's signature, but it was published by his son, Johannes. French text on verso.
References:
Condition: B+
Fine impression and full margins. A crease along centerfold and just a little soiling in map. At upper middle is a small areas of surface loss in the margin. Light water stain in blank lower margin and old stamp on verso with manuscript.