1660 Insula S. Lavrentii, vulgo Madagascar
By: Willem Janszoon Blaeu
Date: 1660 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 16.75 x 22 inches (42.5 x 55.9 cm)
This is an authentic antique map of the island of Madagascar with a portion of the Mozambique coast by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. The map was published out of Amsterdam circa 1660 for Blaeu’s Grand Atlas.
This striking map of the island of Madagascar also shows several other surrounding islands including present-day Reunion Islands under its original French name Isle Bourbon. The Mozambique coast occupies the top left portion of the map and includes the city of Mozambique as well as the eastern edge of the Mons de la Lune (Mountains of the Mood), which for hundreds of years was considered to be the source of the Nile River.
The ocean is embellished with rhumb line, several sailing ships, and two compass roses. An ornamental title cartouche rests in the lower left corner of the map. The cartouche features birds, and a chameleon, flanked by a pair of sheep and indigenous natives holding a bow and arrows.
Condition: Map is in B+ condition with lovely contemporary color, light soiling, and ample margins with a minor tear that has been repaired on the verso and does not come close to the image.
Ref: Norwich #336.
Inventory #18674
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