West Africa: A 17th Century Hand-Colored Map by Mercator/Hondius, 1635

Description

A 17th century hand-colored map entitled "Guineae Nova Descriptio" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in their 'Atlas Minor' … more A 17th century hand-colored map entitled "Guineae Nova Descriptio" by Gerard Mercator and Jodocus Hondius, published in their 'Atlas Minor' in Amsterdam in 1635. It is focused on the modern day African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Benin. A sea monster is seen in the Ethiopicus Ocean (the Gulf of Guinea). A large inset map in the left corner depicts the Island of Isle of Thomae (modern day São Tomé and Príncipe) in detail, which includes the Citadel marked in red. A decorative strapwork cartouche in the lower portion of the map includes the map title.
The map is presented in an archival heather green colored mat. The mat measures 14" wide x 12" high and the map measures 11.25" wide x 7" high. There is English text on the verso. There is mild chipping about the edges, but the map is otherwise in very good condition. less