Catalog Archive
Auction 169, Lot 411

"Fretum Magellani", Hondius/Purchas

Subject: Strait of Magellan

Period: 1625 (circa)

Publication: Purchas His Pilgrims

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.8 x 5 inches
17.3 x 12.7 cm
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Splendid little map featuring the Strait of Magellan. The map is centered on a large, finely engraved, compass rose and further embellished with strapwork title and distance scale cartouches. On a sheet of English text measuring 7.9 x 12.5".

At the beginning of the 17th century, Samuel Purchas, an English cleric, set out to publish a compendium of voyages to foreign countries. To illustrate his work, Purchase obtained the rights to use Jodocus Hondius' copperplates from Atlas Minor. Over 60 maps were included in Purchas His Pilgrimes, most of which were from Hondius' plates, with English titles inserted above them. Purchas also had a few additional maps engraved, including those for India, China, Greenland, North America, and Nova Scotia.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.PUR-1a #59.

Condition: A

Excellent impression on a clean, bright sheet with minor damp stains along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $240 - $300

Sold for: $220

Closed on 9/12/2018

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