c 1630 MAP OF THE AMERCAS - J. de Laet
Scarce: Very Early and Historic
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 it the1630 edition
of de Laet’s work.
This is an original antique map, nearly 400 years old, not a reproduction. An excellent example of this historic map, in nice condition, with wide margins. Centerfold as issued. There is an unobtrusive closed tear in the lower blank margin. It comes with a certificate of authenticity.
We have been full-time dealers in Illuminated Manuscripts, Maps, Prints and Antiquities since 1980.