1591 Floridae Americae Provinciae Recens...
Floridae Americae Provinciae Recens & exactissima descriptio Auctore Iacobo le Moyne cui cognomen de Morgues, Qui Laudonnierum
By: Jacques le Moyne
Date: 1591 (Published) Frankfurt
Dimensions: 14.4 x 17.8 inches (36.6 x 45.2 cm)
One of the earliest and most significant 16th-century maps of Florida and the southeastern portion of colonial North America; what would become the United States some 200 years later.
Le Moyne's map illustrates the Florida peninsula and the surrounding areas, stretching from the northern part of Cuba to "Prom Terra falg," or Cape Lookout. This map was a milestone for the region, presenting substantial new information, though often inaccurate, that served as a primary source for other cartographers over the next 150 years. While Le Moyne’s depiction of the coastline is generally accurate in terms of latitude, the shoreline incorrectly extends too far east instead of northeast. This error was perpetuated when Mercator used the map as a source for his 1569 world map, resulting in an enlarged representation of the Virginia region. The mistake persisted for over 70 years until it was somewhat corrected by Jansson in 1641 and subsequently by other cartographers.
Le Moyne also introduced several mythical lakes that influenced the cartography of the Southeast for generations. One notable lake, located within the "montes Apalatci" (Appalachian Mountains), is depicted as being fed by a large waterfall. Some historians suggest this feature might represent waterfalls in present-day North Carolina, while others theorize it is a misplaced depiction of Niagara Falls, whose existence may have been known to southern native tribes. Below this lake is an important annotation: "In hoc lacu Indigenae argenti grana inveniunt," meaning "In this lake, the natives find grains of silver." This statement further fueled the persistent belief in abundant precious metals throughout the Americas, which served as a driving force behind continued exploration and expeditions.
Jacques Le Moyne was a member of Jean Ribault’s 1564 expedition to North America, an ill-fated attempt to establish a Huguenot settlement in northern Florida. Historical records strongly indicate that Le Moyne was chosen by the French monarchy to act as the expedition's official artist and cartographer. Later in life, following his escape from France during the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 1572, Le Moyne settled in England. There, he became a highly esteemed Elizabethan artist and botanist in London, with notable patrons such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Lady Mary Sidney.
Condition: This map is in C condition with margins added on all sides, most notably the top and bottom where portions of the map image were recreated. Clearly done by a professional this restored work offers the opportunity for one to own this important work at a significant discount.
Inventory #12832
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