Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 420

"Scotia, Regnum", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Scotland

Period: 1606 (circa)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.8 x 13.8 inches
40.1 x 35.1 cm
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This is a beautifully engraved map of Scotland and the Hebrides with a moire patterned sea and strong topographical features in the interior. This is one of three maps of Scotland that appeared in the Mercator Atlas. It was compiled from Mercator's landmark map of the British Isles [1564] with some corrections. Mercator's outline of Scotland remained the standard until the Robert Gordon map was published by Blaeu in 1654. Latin text on verso. This is a unique example that appears to have been published in either 1607 or 1608 based on the signature and page numbers on verso, however the bottom right corner of the plate has been either broken off or masked during the printing process. We have not seen any other examples of this map that lack the bottom right corner.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #5800:1A.1.

Condition: B

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with professionally repaired centerfold separations at top and bottom and minor marginal soiling. This example would otherwise have been in "A" condition, however condition grade was lowered due to missing bottom right corner (despite being "as issued").

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $240

Closed on 9/13/2023

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