“HISPANIAE NOVAE SIVÆ MAGNAE…” (A recent & true representation of new or large Spain 1579). Antwerp: Abraham Ortelius, c. 1595 (last line verso: ''gione libellulo''). (Image: 13 5/8 x 19 ¾’’) Very fine engraved map with later hand-coloring. Verso text Latin. Reference: Van den Broecke #13.
This very detailed map depicts the region of NEW SPAIN to include MEXICO CITY & GUADALAJARA. It depicts the region between present-day Mazatlan and just north of Acapulco. Topographical features are shown and described with major towns, cities, mines, missions and Indian villages identified.
At the mountain range in the north, the descriptive notes the rich deposits of silver to be found. Other annotations describe manners and customs of Indians: “Deserta…” (This is a deserted region, where people live in the woods, who highly favor rotting meat, somewhat cooked in the sun. They often fight among each other while collecting harvests and fruits).
Text in lower left cartouche reads: “Lectori…” (To the reader; the beginning of the longitude on this map we have not, in the Ptolemæic fashion taken from the Canary Islands towards the East, but from the Spanish meridian in Toledo towards the West).
Three elaborate strap-work title cartouches, beautifully engraved calligraphy and two ships at sea further adorn the map,
Shipped unmatted.
