1747 Kaarte van de Golf van Mexico en het Zuyd-America waar in Porto-Bello en Panama. aangewezen werden
By: Daniel de la Feuille
Date: 1747 (Published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 19.5 x 22.5 inches (50 cm x 57 cm)
This is an extremely rare and highly unusual map by the cartographer Daniel de la Feuille, and engraved by Balthasar Ruyter depicting Mexico, the Caribbean, the West Indies and Florida. It covers the territory from the area of Michoacan Mexico, west to Surinam, north as far as modern day Virginia and south as far as modern day Ecuador. Sources for the map include the 1689 map of North America by Friar Hennepin, and the marvel 1707 map of Pieter van der Aa. Many geophysical features are misplaced, such as the mouth and course of the Mississippi. Florida is misshapen and there is no trace of the Keys.
The West Indies are fairly accurately represented, suggesting familiarity with the islands. Feuille followed the lead of Bleau and Hondius showing the mainland of Mexico and Central America exaggerated and Yucatan is also misshapen. In the area of modern day Texas, on either side of the Mississippi as it is represented are to be seen European-style dwellings of some kind, along with what may be an Indian tepee. A number of mines are also depicted in this region.
The allegorical title cartouche in the upper right quadrant is a departure from traditional iconography for American maps which often feature Indians, sheep, bears and buffalo. Instead we see a unicorn killing a ram, an eagle flying down to inspect the scene, some rabbits, and a naval fleet in the background.
Condition: This map is a strong impression in B condition. Slight water stain in the lower right quadrant. A tiny worm hole sits atop the equator. Centerfold separation has been repaired with archival material on the verso.
Inventory #19682
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