Map of the West Indies Based on Voyage of Hessel Gerritsz - Full Contemporary Color, "Insulae Americanae in Oceano Septentrionali, cum Terris Adiacentibus", Blaeu, Willem

Subject: Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean
Period: 1642 (circa)
Publication: Toonneel des Aerdrycks...
Color: Hand Color
Size: 14.9 x 20.6

This fine map centered on the West Indies reflects the firsthand knowledge of Hessel Gerritsz during his voyage to South America and the West Indies undertaken in 1628. It covers the same region as the Gerritsz map of 1631; from the Chesapeake Bay to the northern coastline of South America, with the addition of the west coast of Central America. The nomenclature in North America is virtually identical with the notable addition of the name Virginia. The nomenclature was probably derived from a Spanish chart as it lacks any French influence. The map is richly adorned with three lovely cartouches, sailing ships, rhumb lines and compass roses. Dutch text on verso, published between 1642-64.See also lot 824 for Philip Burden's excellent reference work, The Mapping of North America, which discusses this map.

References: Burden #242; Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9600:2B.
Condition: A
A dark impression in full contemporary color with some light printer's ink residue.