M-6570: ''AMERICAE sive INDIAE OCCIDENTALIS…'' Leiden: Johannes de Laet from Beschrijvinghe van West-Indien, c. 1630. Important original engraved map. Considered the finest depiction of the Americas published in the 17th century.
Reference: Phillips #1147-50; Burden #229; Wagner #309.
Sheet size: 13.75 x 16.75 inches; Image Size: 11x14 inches
Johannes de Laet relied on the most accurate data available and he had vast resources at his disposal to do so. The map was a collaborative effort between de Laet, director of the newly formed Dutch West India Company and Hessel Gerritsz, the official cartographer to the Dutch East India Company.
Although de Laet and Gerritsz had read reports and seen the new maps depicting California as an Island, and the Northwest Passage as a supposed reality, they chose to rely on ''more trustworthy accounts such as Herrera'' and depicted California in peninsular form and ignored the Northwest Passage altogether. The map shows the best West Coast delineation up to the time of its issue in the early 1600's. It is decorated with a simple title cartouche and first appeared in the1630 edition of de Laet’s work.
An excellent example of this sccarce historic map, in nice condition, with wide margins. Centerfold as issued. There is an unobtrusive closed tear in the lower blank margin.
Shipped unmatted
