Subject: Central America
Period: 1671 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
14 x 11.3 inches
35.6 x 28.7 cm
Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.
This decorative map covers the region from Mexico City to Panama City and extends to include part of Cuba, and is based on Blaeu's map of the Yucatan peninsula. Cozumel is named, and Lake Nicaragua is presented on an east-west orientation. This map is richly adorned with ships engaged in battle, Neptune and his entourage, and an elaborate title cartouche with Natives, putti, and a large shell.
References:
Condition: A
Wide margins and slight printer's ink residue and marginal soiling. There are two minute holes in blank areas of map image that are only visible when held to light.