1700 Archipelagi Americani Delineatio Geographica
DESCRIPTION
This finely engraved map of the Caribbean by Heinrich Scherer depicts the intricate layout of islands, ports, and colonial territories known collectively as the West Indies, along with the Gulf of Mexico, part of Central America, and the northern coast of South America. The map reflects both geographic knowledge and Jesuit missionary concerns of the early 18th century.
It is richly embellished with sailing ships, sea monsters, and a dramatic pictorial vignette in the upper right corner showing European colonial activity in the region — labeled “Hispani, Galli & Angli” (Spanish, French, and English). The scene shows merchants and colonial agents loading goods aboard ships, illustrating the global commercial importance of the Caribbean during this period.
The islands are densely labeled, including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Lesser Antilles. The mainland coasts of Florida, Yucatán, Venezuela, and Colombia are also carefully detailed with both indigenous and colonial place names.
CONDITION
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