''AMERICAE Descriptio'' Phillip Cluver:, published in Introductionis in Universam Geographiam by Jansson van Waesberge, Amsterdam 1676.(Image: 5.75x8.25’’)
Fine engraved map with later hand-coloring (Ref: McLaughlin, California as an Island #60;
Burden, Mapping of America, # 470).
A finely engraved map of the Americas prominently featuring the Island of California and a strait to the north hinting at a Northwest Passage. California is shown with a flat northern edge on the Briggs model.
The Great Lakes are not delineated. Most of the Pacific Ocean is shown including the western coastline of New Zealand. Above Japan, the coasts of Eso and Comps. Land lie next to one of the many tiny ships that dot the seas. Native Americans and Europeans with trade goods surround the title cartouche.
California as an island: Following Henry Briggs map of North America, showing California as an island, it became an accepted geographical misconception continuing well into the 18th century. After Father Consag sailed completely around the Gulf of California in 1746, Ferdinand VII followed with a royal decree stating: ''California is not an island''.
Shipped in archival 12 x 14'' mat
