Catalog Archive
Auction 177, Lot 705

"Guineae Nova Descriptio", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Western Africa

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.8 x 13.7 inches
50.3 x 34.8 cm
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This beautifully engraved map of western Africa covers the region from Senegal, Rio Senega, to Cape Lopez on the Gulf of Guinea just below the equator. The map reflects the Portuguese exploration and settlement in the region and includes a large inset of the Island of St. Thomas. This is one of six new maps of Africa to be included in Hondius' editions of Mercator's Atlas. It is beautifully embellished in Hondius' style with strapwork title cartouches, a Portuguese ship and native sailing boat, and fully engraved seas in a moiré style. French text on verso.

References: Norwich #316; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8700:1A.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression with light toning and a few minor damp stains along the edges of the sheet, well away from the image.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 4/29/2020

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