Subject: Western Africa
Period: 1635 (circa)
Publication: Le Theatre du Monde
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20.6 x 15.2 inches
52.3 x 38.6 cm
Elegantly engraved map covering the coast from Sierra Leone to Gabon. The land is filled with animals and the sea is decorated with ships and compass roses. The large title cartouche is flanked by two natives and topped by a very human-looking monkey. On the left of the title is a dedication cartouche to D. Nicolao Tulp, a famous Dutch doctor, and to the right two child-like sea creatures carry a large elephant tusk, representing the flourishing ivory trade. French text on verso, published between 1635-38.
References: Goss (Blaeu) #63; Norwich #315; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #8700:2A.
Condition: B+
A sharp impression with full contemporary color, light toning along the centerfold, minor soiling, and light dampstains along the edges of the sheet. There is a short centerfold separation in the bottom margin that has been closed on verso with archival tape.