Item number: CSMT428
Genuine Antique Map
1631 (c. 1640)
Maker: Hondius
Antique map of Africa by Hondius, dated 1631 but possibly from the 1639, 1641 or 1642 ed. of the author's Nouveau theatre du monde ou nouvel atlas, or from the 1646, 1647, or 1649 ed. of J. Jansson's Nouvel atlas ou theatre du monde. This magnificent map is filled with illustrations and details, many of which are speculative cartography, such as the Nile stretching down to two large lakes: Zaire Lake or Zebre Lake and Zaflan Lake. Despite Europeans knowing little about Africa beyond the coast, the continent is filled with mountains, lakes, cities, towns, and more. Illustrations of elephants, lions, ostriches, a crocodile, and even a dragon populate the land, while the oceans proliferate with ships, monsters, and merfolk. Vibrant hand-coloring, probably some original color with significant later color. Very good condition, printing on verso is slightly visible through the paper, framed in a substantial gold frame. Map measures approx. 14.75 x 19.5 inches to the neatline and total size with the frame is 21 x 25.5 inches.
Genuine Antique Map from 1631 (c. 1640)
Item Number: CSMT428