Africa ex magnus orbis terre descriptione Gerardi Mercatories desumpta

Africa

MERCATOR, G. / HONDIUS, J. [Amsterdam, 1606]
Africa ex magnus orbis terre descriptione Gerardi Mercatories desumpta. Studio & industria G.M. Iunioris. 15 x 18 1/4 inches.

The map is a hallmark of Mercator's craft, magnificently engraved with superb calligraphy and a particularly fine cartouche, which formed a stylistic bridge between the strapwork decoration of the maps of the 16th century and the more ornate work of the 17th century. While superficially resembling the Ortelius map of Africa, Mercator's map is more detailed; it includes more cities and rivers, particularly in South Africa, and Abyssinia is marked with a crowned, enthroned, cross-bearing Prester John.

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