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Blaeu, Willem
Africae Nova Descriptio.
A superb decorative map of Africa, from the premier Dutch cartographer of the seventeenth century. The map is flanked with various costumed figures and small detailed plans of nine principal African cities in vignette form along top border. Wild animals and place names facing inwards hide the apparent lack of detail and knowledge inland. A compass point, galleons and sea monsters patrol the seas. Splendid title cartouche at top right. Ptolemy's Nile is shown with Lakes Zaire and Zaflan. According to Tooley, this map was one of the most popular early maps of Africa. This is a map full of intrigue and interest.
Size: 555 x 410 mm. Mounted size: 755 x 625 mm Copper engraving. Original colour. Good condition. Closed tears to top margin unobtrusively repaired. Some toning and minor foxing.
