Mercator map of Magellan Straight

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Author: Mercator, Gerard
Title: Exquisita & Magno Aliquot Mensium Periculo Lustrata et Iam Retecta Freti Magellanici Facies
Place Published: Antwerp
Publisher:
Date Published: c.1610
Description: Engraved map, hand-colored (probably later). 35x46.5 cm (13¾x18¼").Well-engraved map of the Strait of Magellan with south at the top, predating the discovery of the Straits of Le Maire. The geographic details for this map were drawn from Bernardus Joannis Monasteriensis, who accompanied the first Dutch expedition to sail through the Strait in 1599-1600. That expedition is portrayed on the map by the fleet of six sailing ships in the Mar del Zur. Penguins flank the title cartouche, a navigational compass is incorporated into the distance scale, and an inset with coastal view of the entrance to the strait fills the bottom cartouche. Whimsical sea lions, a whale and ships complete the composition
Condition Report: some wear along centerfold with repairs, a few marginal tears and marginal discoloration; very good.