Africa Ex Magna orbis terra descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris desumpta. Studio &...

Coloured map of the African continent. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1628.

Reference 12781

Description

A very fine example of Mercator's map of Africa. It is based on the famous 1569 world map by Mercator, was engraved by his grandson and first published in 1595.

The map has a high degree of accuracy, particularly along the coastlines, surpassing that of any other 16th-century cartographer. The interior of Africa largely follows the conventions established by Ptolemy, featuring the Nile River depicted with two lakes and the Mountains of the Moon spanning across southern Africa. However, Mercator also acknowledges European exploration into the continent's interior. For instance, the map showcases Portuguese exploration along the Cuama (Zambezi) River, penetrating the region of Monomotapa or Benamataxa, as indicated on the map. The placement of Ca. Portogal (the Portuguese Fort) is marked at the confluence of the Spirito and Cuama rivers.

In an attempt to adopt a more scientific approach, Mercator refrained from including the numerous mythical creatures commonly found in maps of his contemporaries. Within Africa, the sole representation is the seated figure of the legendary priest-king, Prester John, positioned in Ethiopia. The decorative cartouche is adorned with fruits and two satyrs, adding an aesthetic touch to the map. The meticulously crafted script is of exceptional quality, and the sea exhibits Mercator's signature moiré pattern.

Details

Cartographer	Gerard Mercator
Title	Africa Ex Magna orbis terra descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris desumpta. Studio & industria G.M. Iunioris
Publisher, Year	Henricus Hondius, Amsterdam, 1628
Plate Size	38.0 x 46.5 cm (15.0 x 18.3 inches)
Sheet Size	47.9 x 56.7 cm (18.9 x 22.3 inches)
Reference	Van der Krogt, P.: Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, 8600:1A; Norwich, O.I.: Maps of Africa, No. 21; Betz, R. & P., The Mapping of Africa, No. 31

Condition

Excellent condition.

Cartographer

Gerard Mercator (Kremer) was born in Rupelmonde in Flanders and studied in Louvain. He drawn his first map in 1537 and became a cartographer and globe maker. In 1552 he moved to Duisburg, Germany where he published his famous 18-sheet world map in 1569 with his own new projection, today called Mercator projection. Later he decided to publish a new edition of Ptolemy's Geographia. Followed by his major work, a 3 volume collection of maps to which the word Atlas was applied the first time. The first volume was published 1585, followed by the second in 1589 and the third one after his death in 1595 by his son Rumold. A second edition of all three parts was published 1602. 1604 Jodocus Hondius acquired the plates and published several edition together with his sons Jodocus II and Henricus until 1633. More editions followed until 1666 by Janssonius who was in partnership with Henricus. Some of the plated where also used by W.J. Blaeu in 1630.

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Gerard Mercator: Africa Ex Magna orbis terra descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris desumpta. Studio & industria G.M. Iunioris.

Coloured map of the African continent. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1628.

Africa Continent - Mercator, Gerard - Africa Ex Magna orbis terra descriptione...