Catalog Archive
Auction 158, Lot 58

"Mappa Fluxus et Refluxus Rationes in Isthmo Americano, in Freto Magellanico, Caeterisque Americae Litoribus Exhibens", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Western Hemisphere - America

Period: 1665 (circa)

Publication: Mundus Subterraneus…

Color: Black & White

Size:
16.4 x 13.6 inches
41.7 x 34.5 cm
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Very unusual map depicting all of South America and most of North America. The map is totally devoid of political detail with the exception of the floating city of Mexico, shown a bit too far north, and California is named. Instead the map features the principal rivers, lakes, mountains and volcanoes in South America. A huge crater lake, probably Lake Titicaca although it is situated too far north, is depicted as the source of the Amazon. The Andes are shown as a range of live volcanoes. Three sailing ships and a strapwork title cartouche adorn the map. Kircher is credited with publishing the first book describing the ocean's currents and this map is a beautiful example of his representations that are surprisingly accurate.

References: Burden #382.

Condition: B

Issued folding and now flattened with light damp stains. There are archival repairs on verso to a few fold separations at top and bottom and to an edge tear at left that extends 1.5" into the image. A small chip along the top border has been replaced with old paper and a portion of the neatline in facsimile.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Unsold

Closed on 6/22/2016

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