Subject: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
Period: 1640 (circa)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.4 x 14.7 inches
49.3 x 37.3 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. Latin text on verso, published between 1640-55.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9840:2.2.
Condition: B+
A sharp impression with full contemporary color on a lightly toned sheet with a "GA" watermark and a few spots of foxing.