This stunning, large-scale map of South America is beautifully engraved and filled with information. A baroque cartouche incorporates a river scene, an Amazon queen, exotic animals and a treasure chest of gold and silver bars and coins. Two mythical lakes, L. Parima and Laguna de Xarayes, appear in northern and central South America respectively. On the shore of L. Parima is a note regarding the fabled town of Manoa or Del Dorado, which was believed to be the "lost city of gold." The Falklands, or Malouine Islands as named by the French, are detailed in an inset chart in the upper right corner. In the lower left, English text describes the political divisions of South America and gives a fascinating summary of its trade goods and strategic importance. For instance, of Terra Firma it is said that "The whole country abounds in Mines of Gold and Precious Stones." Another note describing the Falkland Islands comments, "As Port Egmont, is a very safe & capacious Harbour, It will become of great utility to the British Navy & even to Privateers, in any future War, to annoy the Spanish Trade in the South Sea." Printed on four sheets, with the top two and bottom two sheets joined horizontally.

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Condition: B+

A dark impression and original outline color on paper with the watermark of a fleur-de-lis coat of arms and the initials "GR." There is light offsetting and soiling. There are some bluish shadows along the folds that are caused by our scanner and do not appear on the map itself. The first image is a composite image - this map is only joined horizontally.