"Occidentis Quivira et Anian. 1597", CA - Alaska by Wytfliet

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“Limes Occidentis Quivira et Anian. 1597” Louvain: Cornelius Wytfliet, c. 1597 from Descriptiones Ptolemaicae Augmentum - the only known geographic work by Wytfliet. Scarce original engraved map from an atlas considered as important in the cartographic history of the New World, as Ptolemy’s maps were of the Old. (Image: 9 ¼ x 11 ½’’)

(Ref: Nebenzahl, The Compass, N6-4-illus.; Tooley & Bricker, Landmarks of Mapmaking, p. 233 illus.; Wagner, Northwest Coast II, 189; Wheat Vol. I, p. 18; Layng, Canada Maps #749).

Wytfliet’s map displays the 16th century concept of California, Alaska & the Pacific & Arctic coasts. It exemplifies the belief in a strait between Asia & the Kingdom of Anian in NW North America. Seven cities & towns are actually shown along with the many rivers & capes that are named.

Some of the place names, such as Cape Mendocino, remain in use even today. Published when Spanish explorers were extending the Mexican empire northward along the Pacific coast, and soon after Drake claimed California for England.

Important & scarce, this map is from the “first separately published atlas devoted solely to the Americas...As a compiler instead of a creator, his production has remained all the more valuable as an excellent summary of everything then known in the Spanish Netherlands concerning the New World.” (Martin & Martin Maps of ... the Southwest, p.75).  

Shiipped unmatted

  • Inventory# M-4467
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