(Image: 14 5/8 x 19 5/8’ – Paper: 18 1/8 x 21 5/8’’) “AMERICA” Amsterdam: Jodocuss Hondius, [1606] – 1630 from the Mercator-Hondius Atlas... Engraved map with old hand-coloring. 1630 Latin text edition – text describing America was included on another map – this map has no text – but has the following pagination & key: 380 Mmmmmmmmm. Ref: Burden #150; Wagner (1937) p. 108 & # 245; Koeman (1967) Vol. 2, p. 282, #139).
This very uncommon and extremely detailed map was engraved by Jodocus Hondius and depicts the Americas in a highly decorative manner. Topographical features are shown (many purely speculative, or mythical), and most known towns, cities, missions, and Indian villages are located. The map shows the fabled Straits of Anian, a version of the mythical Northwest Passage – a water route connecting Europe with Asia. The St. Lawrence River is indicated, but no Great Lakes. “Tuberones” and “I. de S. Petro” are the only islands in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Many non-existent islands are depicted, including “Los Jardines” and “I. de los Ladrones”. Non-existent islands also appear in the Atlantic, including Frisland, Bus, Brasil, and “S. Brandao.” The mythical geography continues to the south, where a large “Terra Australis” stretches across the map.
Numerous scenes, taken from de Bry’s Grand Voyages, adorn the map. The inset, lower left, shows native Brazilians making a local beverage. Galleons, kayaks and Indian canoes, birds, and sea monsters are found throughout the map.
An attractive example in very fine condition of one of the most decorative and sought-after 17th century maps of the Americas.
Shipped unmatted
