Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 495

"Nova Helvetiae Tabula", Hondius/Jansson

Subject: Switzerland

Period: 1632 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.6 x 15.8 inches
52.3 x 40.1 cm
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This rare carte-a-figures map of Switzerland was engraved by Jodocus Hondius II and issued in an 'experimental' atlas by Jan Jansson to test the market for a proposed new work. The experiment met with little success and few editions were produced. The map also appeared in a few other atlases including Jean Boisseau’s Theatre des Gaules. Men and women representing the nobility, merchant, and peasant classes flank the map. At top are panoramic vignettes of five major cities and at bottom two more bird's eye views (Basel and Zurich) flank the distance scale. Geographically the rugged terrain and numerous lakes are nicely shown. Blank verso.

References: Moreland & Bannister, pp. 111 & 237.

Condition: B

There are old repairs on centerfold, including paper replacement in blank margins and just entering the vignette of Bern at top, with the border replaced in facsimile.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800

Sold for: $900

Closed on 9/1/2010

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