Subject: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
Period: 1635 (published)
Publication: Le Theatre du Monde
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.3 x 14.6 inches
49 x 37.1 cm
Blaeu's beautiful map of Guiana covers the coastline from the Isla Margarita in the northwest to the coast of northern Brazil near Sao Luis east of the Amazon delta. At center lies a large inland sea, Parime Lacus; on its northwestern shore is the fabled city Manoa del Dorado, or the golden city of the Incas. The search for this city led many explorers, including Sir Walter Raleigh, on wild adventures through the jungles. The map is beautifully decorated with three cartouches, ships engaged in a sea battle, a sea monster, and a fine compass rose. French text on verso.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9840:2.2.
Condition: B+
A dark impression with full contemporary color, a few faint spots in the image, a small spot of candle wax in bottom margin, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation at bottom.