Heinrich Scherer (1628-1704) Atlas Novus, Map of South America

Description

A rare, beautifully illustrated antique map
It depicts the South American Continent and some of the surrounding islands
An early … more A rare, beautifully illustrated antique map
It depicts the South American Continent and some of the surrounding islands
An early 18th century original from Heinrich Scherer's "Atlas Novus"
All text is in Latin
Heinrich Scherer (1628-1704) was a Jesuit priest and polymath, teaching university courses in grammar, philosophy, rhetoric, ethics, mathematics, and Hebrew. His work as a cartographer received acclaim and recognition. The ATLAS NOVUS, completed shortly before his death, was his life's major work
Scherer's Atlas Novus, first published in Munich between 1702-1710, with second edition between 1730 and 1737, was a revolutionary work in terms of the development of the European mapmaking at the beginning of 18th century.
The Atlas comprised 7 volumes. The 180 maps included in this work were prepared between 1699 and 1700, and were engraved by Leonard Hecknaeur, Joseph Montelegre or Matthus Wolfgang, with each volume introduced by fine allegorical frontispieces by the same engraver.
What makes Scherer's maps unusual is their highly decorative Catholic iconography and imagery and their revolutionary thematic nature. His maps vividly chart the revival and spread of the Catholic faith in the late 16th and 17th centuries, principally through the efforts of Jesuit missionaries around the globe and most notably in North and South America, South East Asia and the Far East. Religious themes dominate many aspects of the atlas: he fills his maps with images of vibrant religiosity, he notes down ancient bishoprics and missionary locations, the non-Catholic territories are marked with dark shading.
The presented here map of South America is decorated with a Crucifixion scene. The index points to various missionary places
At the east side, European ships and mythical creatures populate the ocean
It includes large vignette and cartouche
The map is filled with towns and pictorial representations of the mountainous topography. Near Guyana, the fictitious lake of Parime is named with the mythical city of Dorado, shown upon its shores. The scale of miles is topped with the symbol for the society of Jesus
It consists of two pages, attached together
Measurements: Approx. 15" x 10.5" the sheet; 13.75" x 8.75" the plate marks
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Slight foxing, commensurate with age, especially around the joining line. All original. less