Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 81

"Novissima et Accuratissima Septentrionalis ac Meridionalis Americae…", Wit, Frederick de

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1690 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Maior

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23 x 19.5 inches
58.4 x 49.5 cm
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This is the seventh state of this great map of the Americas, originally engraved circa 1675, and updated with the addition of New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Quiri Regio, Fretum Aniani and Terra Esonis. While the decorative features follow Visscher, the cartography is largely based on Sanson. California is an Island, the Great Lakes are open-ended in the west, and the R. del Norte flows from a large western lake into the Mare Vermio. The mythical lakes of Parime Lacus and Xarayes appear in South America. De Wit also changed the large title cartouche slightly so that the chief is standing under an umbrella on the left supervising what appears to be a mining scene. The upper cartouche depicts two angels helping a Native American to heaven while a devil falls away. The sheet is further embellished with native animals in the north and a village and battle scene in Brazil.

References: Burden #465; McLaughlin #49, Tooley (America) p.120 #33.

Condition: B

Original color with a few minute holes only visible when held to light and some small cracks due to the oxidation of green pigment that have been professionally reinforced on verso. Remargined at right and left with some of the border in facsimile, and a chip that enters map image 1/2" at bottom along centerfold has also been repaired with a small amount of map image in facsimile..

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600

Sold for: $900

Closed on 2/15/2012

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