Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 83

"Americae Descrip.", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Western Hemisphere - America

Period: 1635 (published)

Publication: Historia Mundi

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.7 x 5.9 inches
19.6 x 15 cm
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Charming reduced version of the Americas map that Hondius engraved for Gerard Mercator's folio atlas. It is a combination of various cartographic sources. North America is greatly enlarged with a Plancius type depiction of Newfoundland and a protruding Virginian coast, and the west coast separated by only a narrow strait from Asiae Pars. South America is shown with a more or less correct western coastline and there is a large southern continent incorporating New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego. Decorated with sea monsters, sailing ships, and a strapwork title cartouche. English text on verso.

References: Burden #153.

Condition: A

Very dark impression with printer's ink residue. A small marginal tear, well away from the image, has been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $450 - $550

Sold for: $275

Closed on 9/4/2013

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