Catalog Archive
Auction 167, Lot 199

Splendid Picture-Frame Border

"Mexique ou Nouvelle Espagne, Suivant les Nouvelles Observations de Messrs. de l'Academie Royale des Sciences, Etc. Augmentees de Nouveau", Aa, Pieter van der

Subject: Mexico & Central America

Period: 1713 (circa)

Publication: Galerie Agreable du Monde

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.8 x 13.1 inches
40.1 x 33.3 cm
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This finely engraved map covering nearly all of Mexico and Central America to northern Costa Rica is presented within a splendid picture-frame border, which was printed from a separate copper plate. The map depicts the new conquests made by the Spanish in Mexico and Central America, and is filled with place names and topographical details. A lovely pictorial cartouche depicts a conquistador subjugating two natives on the left, and Neptune riding his chariot along the coastline on the right, with a spouting whale and ships in the background.

The Galerie Agreable du Monde was issued in 66 parts containing over 3000 maps, town plans and topographic prints. It was the largest picture and map book ever published. Many of the engravings were printed from multiple plates and enclosed in elaborate, picture-frame borders. The Galarie was reportedly only issued in 100 copies (Tooley, Dictionary of Mapmakers).

References:

Condition: B+

A superb impression on paper with the watermarks of a fleur-de-lis and the initials "AR." There is light toning, a few small spots of foxing, and a short centerfold separation at top that has been archivally repaired on verso.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $250

Closed on 3/28/2018

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