Catalog Archive
Auction 189, Lot 641

"Nova Descriptio Africae", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: Africa

Period: 1638 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.3 x 10.6 inches
36.3 x 26.9 cm
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A decorative map of the continent based on the cartography of Blaeu. The map is richly embellished with numerous ships, sea monsters (including a great sea-horse), a compass rose and exotic animals wandering all over the continent. The Nile is depicted according to Ptolemy with its sources in two large lakes below the equator, as well as other fictitious details.

References: Betz #67; Norwich #33.

Condition: A

On a clean bright sheet with a short edge tear at bottom that just passes the border and has been closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $425

Closed on 9/14/2022

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