Catalog Archive
Auction 186, Lot 345

"Nova Hispania, et Nova Galicia", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Western Mexico

Period: 1640 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.6 x 15.1 inches
49.8 x 38.4 cm
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This is a fabulous, decorative map of the western coastal regions of Mexico, based on Hondius' map of 1606, which itself derives from Ortelius' 1579 map. Mexico City is situated on a large lake below the elaborate title cartouche with the Royal Spanish arms, figureheads, parrots and other adornments. Several gold and silver mines are located in the central region with a diamond-shaped icon, and a central mountain range has a Latin note indicating that there are large amounts of silver to be found there. Two sailing ships and a compass rose adorn the Pacific, and putti and armadillos frolic on the scale of miles cartouche. The map bears Willem Blaeu's imprint in the distance scale cartouche. Latin text on verso, published between 1640-55.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9510:2.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with light scattered foxing, a paper flaw at top right, an edge tear at left that has been closed on verso with paper tape, and some extraneous creasing. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.

Estimate: $375 - $450

Sold for: $240

Closed on 2/9/2022

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