This fine map is the work of Hessel Gerritsz, one of the most important Dutch cartographers of the 17th century. Most of his work exists only in manuscript and these maps, published by De Laet, are the only Gerritsz maps available to the collector today. The map vividly depicts the important tip of South America, key to European trade with the East Indies, with the narrow and treacherous Strait of Magellan and the recently discovered Strait le Maire. The map is oriented with north on the right and it is simply embellished with a strapwork title cartouche, compass rose and banner containing three distance scales. Lightly toned, else very fine.

References:

Condition: A