Africae nova tabula

Coloured map of the African continent. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1633.

Reference 12776

Description

Beautiful map of Africa by Henricus Hondius. This version of Jodocus Hondius' map depicts the continent without its decorative borders, which were removed to accommodate the atlas format. The geography of the map is mostly speculative, following Blaeu's 1617 map, except for the Cuama River, which is shown originating from the mountains rather than the Sachaf Lake below the Mountains of the Moon (Lunae Montes). The depiction of the Nile's origin adheres to the Ptolemaic tradition of twin lakes located south of the equator. The Kingdom of Monomotapa is portrayed as occupying a significant portion of southern Africa. The ornamental elements include a wreath-style title cartouche, sailing ships, flying fish, sea monsters, and Neptune with a mermaid. The interior features elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, and even a dragon. This version of the map is derived from the first French edition published in 1633, with French text on the verso.

Details

Cartographer	Jodocus Hondius
Title	Africae nova tabula
Publisher, Year	Henricus Hondius, Amsterdam, 1633
Plate Size	37.8 x 49.8 cm (14.9 x 19.6 inches)
Sheet Size	47.9 x 57.0 cm (18.9 x 22.4 inches)
Reference	Van der Krogt, P.: Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, 8600:1D.2

Condition

Centerfold backed in lower area. Very good condition.

Cartographer

Jodocus Hondius was born 1563 in Wakken (West Flanders). He became a globe maker and map engraver. In 1593 he set up his business in Amsterdam after he spent several years in London. He was one of the most important engravers of his time and engraved maps for van den Keere, Waghenaer and Speed. Hondius bought the plates of Mercator in 1604, added around 40 maps and published the expanded Mercator-Atlas first 1606 still under Mercator's name. After his death 1612 in Amsterdam, the business was carried out by his sons Jodocus II and Henricus.

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Jodocus Hondius: Africae nova tabula.

Coloured map of the African continent. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1633.

Africa Continent - Hondius, Jodocus - Africae nova tabula