This richly ornamented map of the continent is Henricus Hondius' issue of Jodocus Hondius' map, but without the decorative borders that were masked in order to fit the map into an atlas format. The geography is largely speculative and follows Blaeu's map of 1617 with the Cuama River originating in the mountains rather than in the Sachaf Lake below the Mountains of the Moon (Lunae Montes). The origin of the Nile conforms to the Ptolemaic tradition of the two twin lakes south of the equator. The Kingdom of Monomotapa occupies a large area of southern Africa. Ornamentation includes a wreath-style title cartouche, sailing ships, flying fish, various sea monsters and Neptune consorting with a comely mermaid. Elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, and even a dragon occupy the interior. This is the third state, with Latin text on verso, published in 1638.

References: Betz #58.3; cf. Norwich #34.

Condition: B

An attractive old color example on watermarked paper with wide margins and minor refreshing of color. There are a number of cracks and a couple of tiny holes caused by the oxidation of the green pigment that have been professionally repaired and reinforced on verso with Japanese tissue. A centerfold separation that enters 4" into image at bottom has also been professionally repaired.