1635 Americae Pars Meridionalis Amstelodami Sumptibus Joannis Janssony
By: Joannis Jansson
Date: 1635 (published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 18 x 21.5 inches (45.7 x 54.5 cm)
This Jansson map is a fine example of a relatively early decorative map of the South American continent. The map features not only the work of Jansson, but that of Hendrik Hondius and Gerard Mercator as well.
As a result of extensive Portuguese and Spanish explorations, the map presents remarkable detail around the coastlines of South America, with cities and ports all named. However However, the interior had not been explored to the same extent and is filled with considerable spurious information, and in those places where little or nothing was known. Vignettes stand out where geography is lacking, including one of a Conquistador standing beside giants rumored to inhabit the interior of Patagonia.
Several rivers, including the Amazon and Paraguay, all have their source in the Lago de los Xarayes. The mythical Parime Lacus dominates the interior of Guyana, with the fabled golden city of El Dorado on its western shore. Mountains and river systems are depicted in detail. Hundreds of place names are denoted and part of Sierra Leone is depicted.
The map is richly embellished with ships at full sail, sea monsters frolicking in the oceans and vignettes of villages and animals on the continent. The large elaborate title cartouche features natives and indigenous flora and fauna. Detailed French text on the verso describes different regions of the continent, their history and forms of government, the character and traditions of indigenous peoples, etc.
Condition: Map is in A condition with lovely color over a strong impression on clean and heavy paper with full margins.
Inventory #11597
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