Catalog Archive
Auction 99, Lot 416

"Asiae Nova Descriptio", Wit, Frederick de

Subject: Asia

Period: 1661 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.7 x 17.2 inches
55.1 x 43.7 cm
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This is a splendid example of one of the last Dutch carte-a-figures continental maps. The continent is shown with the northern and eastern coastline of mainland Asia on the Mercator-Hondius model. It incorporates the discoveries made by the 1643 De Vries expedition and the discoveries of Le Maire in New Guinea. The map is illustrated with flanking panels featuring costumed figures from China, Tartary, Arabia and the East Indies. The panels above show panoramas and plans of Ormus, Aden, Jerusalem, Damascus, Rhodes and Famagusta. The title cartouche is adorned by a female representation of the continent that is riding a camel.

References: Yeo #51.

Condition: A

Very clean and crisp with lovely later color. Expert repair of lower centerfold.

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,000

Sold for: $2,500

Closed on 6/12/2002

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