Jocodus Hondius Early 17th-Century Map Engraving of Virginia and the Carolinas

Item Details

An early 17th century hand-colored map engraving of Virginia and the Carolinas by Flemish cartographer Jocodus Hondius (1563-1612). Fully titled Virginiae Item et Floridae Americae Provinciarum, nova Descriptio, this map was likely featured in an early 17th century Mercator-Hondius Atlas. The map includes illustrations of game animals, sea monsters, indigenous canoes, and ships. A handwritten inscription to the lower right reads ‘Mercator-Hondius / 1609’. The work is presented under glass, mounted on a tan surface, and housed in a black composite wood frame with a gold-tone liner. A couple labels from Bresler Galleries are adhered to the verso.

Jocodus Hondius was an artist, engraver, and cartographer, and is recognized as seminal figure in establishing Amsterdam as a central hub of 17th-century European cartography. He is especially credited for rebuilding Gerard Mercator’s reputation as a pioneering cartographer, for introducing decorative map borders in his work, and also for his portraits of Sir Francis Drake in London’s National Portrait Gallery. In the early 17th century, he republished Mercator’s work alongside many of his own maps, which are referred to as the ‘Mercator/Hondius series’.

Condition

- wear consistent with age; folding crease down center of map; foxing and toning scattered throughout; small tears along paper edges; upper and lower center edges of paper are reinforced with paper patches.

Dimensions

- measurement of frame; plate marks measure approximately 19.25" W x 13.75" H.

Item #

18DCC239-003