Item #311704 Guinea Nova Descriptio. Gerard MERCATOR, Jodocus HONDIUS.

Guinea Nova Descriptio

Amsterdam: Jodocus Hondius, 1633.

Map. Copper plate engraving with original hand coloring. Published in Amsterdam, 1633. Image measures 13 1/2" x 19 1/4", sheet measures 18 7/8" x 22 1/4"

Beautiful 17th century map of west Africa, illustrating Dutch and Portuguese exploration. The map depicts the coastline extending from Rio Senega (Senegal River) to Cabo de Lopo (Cape Lopez). A detailed inset in the lower left corner depicts the island of Sao Tome. The map is adorned with three decorative cartouches, the water is engraved with the signature moire effect detail to mimic ocean waves, and two sailing ships are illustrated - one large Dutch ship with smoke billowing from its bow, a dugout canoe with one person depicted rowing.

Gerard Mercator (1512-1594) was an accomplished mathematician, cartographer, globe maker and engraver but is best known for the Mercator Projection. Incorporating the newly accepted fact that the world is round, Mercator was able to render longitude lines consistently straight on a chart. Although this requires some distortion, it was of great use for navigators, and is historically important, as it is still the most commonly used projection today. Originally created by Mercator, this plate was later added to by Hondius. Although their partnership was only indirect, Mercator and Hondius are one of the most significant pairs in the history of mapmaking. A beautiful example of this map.

Binding: Unbound
Language: English

Price: $500.00

Item #311704

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