Subject: Western Mexico
Period: 1646 (circa)
Publication: Novus Atlas
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19 x 13.7 inches
48.3 x 34.8 cm
This decorative map of the central and western coastal regions of Mexico is based on Ortelius. Mexico City is situated on a large lake below the elaborate title cartouche featuring the Royal Spanish Arms. Several gold and silver mines are located in the central region. A galleon and sea monster ornament the Pacific and armadillos walk across the cartouche containing a key locating several sites around Mexico City. This is a superlative example of Dutch cartography and a great example of the similarity between the work of Jansson and Blaeu. Here Jansson's plate features a ship and sea monster with calligraphy in the Pacific, whereas Blaeu's map lacks the calligraphy and embellished the area with two ships and a compass rose. Latin text on verso, published between 1646-57.
References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9510:1.2.
Condition: B
Full contemporary color on a moderately toned sheet with some cracking due to oxidation of green pigment, all of which has been closed with archival materials. There is light chalky residue and light offsetting.