This fine map is the work of Hessel Gerritsz, one of the most important Dutch cartographers of the 17th century. Most of his work exists only in manuscript and these maps, published by De Laet, are the only Gerritsz maps available to the collector today. The map includes Mexico through Costa Rica with considerable detail. The large strapwork cartouche incorporates the title and distance scales and the map is further decorated with a lovely compass rose.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.LAET-1a #2.

Condition: A

A dark impression on paper with a coat of arms watermark, printer's ink residue, a minor printer's crease adjacent to centerfold at bottom, and a tiny hole caused by a rust spot just below Lake Nicaragua. There is a hint of toning along the centerfold and edges of the sheet.