"Africae Nova Tabula", Hondius/Jansson

Subject: Africa
Period: 1641 (dated)
Publication: Atlas Novus
Color: Hand Color
Size: 14.8 x 19.6

This richly ornamented map of the continent is Henricus Hondius' issue of Jodocus Hondius' map, but without the decorative borders that were masked in order to fit the map into an atlas format. The geography is largely speculative and follows Blaeu's map of 1617 with the Cuama River originating in the mountains rather than in the Sachaf Lake below the Mountains of the Moon (Lunae Montes). The origin of the Nile conforms to the Ptolemaic tradition of the two twin lakes south of the equator. The Kingdom of Monomotapa occupies a large area of southern Africa. Ornamentation includes a wreath-style title cartouche, sailing ships, flying fish, various sea monsters, and Neptune consorting with a comely mermaid. Elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, and even a dragon occupy the interior. This is the fourth state, with Jansson's imprint at bottom right and the date updated to 1641. Latin text on verso, published in 1647.

References: Betz #58.4; cf. Norwich #34; Van der Krogt #8600:1D.3.
Condition: B
Full contemporary color that has been partially refreshed, with toning and soiling. A long centerfold separation has been archivally repaired on verso. This map will ship flat.