Subject: Mexico
Period: 1638 (published)
Publication: Atlas Novus
Color: Hand Color
Size:
18.9 x 13.7 inches
48 x 34.8 cm
Decorative map of the central and western coastal regions of Mexico, based on Ortelius. Mexico City is situated on a large lake below the elaborate title cartouche featuring the Royal Spanish Arms. Several gold and silver mines are located in the central region. A galleon and sea monster ornament the Pacific and armadillos walk across the scale of miles cartouche. This is a superlative example of Dutch cartography and a great example of the similarity between the work of Jansson and Blaeu. Here Jansson's plate features a ship and sea monster with calligraphy in the Pacific, whereas Blaeu's map lacks the calligraphy and embellished the area with two ships and a compass rose. Latin text on verso.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #1:401.3A-87.
Condition: B+
A dark impression on watermarked paper with old color. There is some printer's ink residue, a couple of minor printer's creases, and a few tiny abrasions. There are a few tears confined to blank margins, far from map.