Subject: South America
Period: 1633 (published)
Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris et I. Hondii. Atlas
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.3 x 14.1 inches
49 x 35.8 cm
Superb folio map of the continent that was added by Jodocus Hondius for publication in his continuation of the Mercator Atlas. The interior features the large mythical Parime Lacus straddling the equator and an equally interesting river system. The huge Rio de la Plata flows south from the conjectural Eupana Lacus in Brazil, while the R. Grande flows north from the same lake to join the Amazon River. The Strait of Magellan is shown, but Tierra del Fuego is part of the large southern continent. The map is beautifully engraved with a wave pattern in the oceans, which are filled with ships, sea monsters and a native canoe. The continent is flanked by two elaborate cartouches; title to the right and a large inset plan of Cusco incorporated into the distance scale cartouche on the left. A Native American is seen with a bow and arrow in the interior. French text on verso.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9800:1A.
Condition: B+
A bright example with excellent impression and color. There are a few minute worm holes only visible when held to light, some show-through at bottom left of old manuscript notations on verso, and a centerfold separation confined to bottom blank margin.