First state of this very uncommon map from the reduced size series of the Mercator-Hondius atlas. The cartography is classic Hondius with the inaccurate mid-Atlantic coastline of North America, and the sweeping northwest coastline. The fictitious islands of Frisland and Brasil are located in the north Atlantic. Hudson Bay is left open to the west for the possibility of a northwest passage to Asia. The map was likely engraved by Pieter Van Den Keere and is richly decorated with sailing ships and sea monsters. The first state of this map is very uncommon, appearing only in three editions of the atlas between 1630 and 1636. Manuscript page number 97 in top margin, with blank verso.

References: Burden #224; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #9000:353.

Condition: A

A clean and bright example with a slightly uneven impression at far right. There is light toning along the edges of the sheet.