Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 171

Important Map of Colonial New England and the Mid-Atlantic - First Edition

"Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Colonial New England & Mid-Atlantic United States

Period: 1634 (published)

Publication: Ander Theil Novi Atlantis Das Ist Abbildung und Beschreibung...

Color: Black & White

Size:
19.9 x 15.3 inches
50.5 x 38.9 cm
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This is the first edition of this important map, and is one of the first to focus on the Dutch colony in North America and to name Nieu Amsterdam (New York). It is based on the manuscript of Andriaen Block (1614), a Dutch fur trader, who explored the area between Cape Cod and Manhattan and was the first to correctly delineate the longitudinal scale of the coastline and establish Manhattan as an island. The colony of Nieu Pleimonth is identified, as well as other English names along the coast, which were derived from Smith's map of New England in 1616. The map is oriented with north to the right and is richly adorned with a variety of wildlife, including the first appearance of beavers, polecats and otters on a printed map. Quebec is noted with a minute depiction of the fort and buildings, and the mythical kingdom of Norumbega is noted near the R. Pentagouet (Penobscot River) in present-day Maine. A large Mohawk village is shown derived from the White-de Bry engravings. It is further embellished with a large title cartouche flanked by two natives, sailing ships, canoes, and compass roses. German text on verso.

References: Burden #241; Goss (Blaeu) p. 164; McCorkle #635.1; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9310:2.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a watermarked sheet with expert repairs to a few small separations and tiny holes along the centerfold with one letter ("z") in facsimile. There is light soiling, minor printer's ink residue, and professional repairs to a few edge chips in the bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 9/16/2020

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