This lot of decorative miniature maps comes from Mallet's renowned Description de l'Univers and includes:

A. Pais qui sont aux Environs de la Riviere de la Plata et du Pais des Patagons. Shows nearly the entire continent but focuses on the region of the River de la Plata. The title cartouche, which obscures the northern part of the continent, is flanked by two cherubs and is draped with reptiles. Four ships sail in the seas, two engaged in a battle.

B. Castille Neuve ou Castille d'Or. Covers the northern portion of South America including present-day Colombia and Venezuela, extending to the Greater Antilles. The path of the Amazon River is prominently shown along the bottom of the map.

C. Royaume de Chili. Depicts the western coast of South America with the Patagonia mountain range flanking the coast.

References: King (2nd ed.) pp 152-53; Pastoureau, MANESSON-MALLET I A.

Condition: B+

Crisp, dark impressions with the exception of the map of northern South America, which is very faint at far left. There is light soiling and toning along the edges of the sheets. Small chips in the top right corner of the sheets are far from the engravings.