Giralomo Benzoni / Theodore De Bry:  Occidentalis Americæ partis, vel earum Regionum quas Christophorus Columbus primu detexit Tabula Chorographicae multorum Auctorum scriptis, præsertim vero ex Hieronymi. . .

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Title: Occidentalis Americæ partis, vel earum Regionum quas Christophorus Columbus primu detexit Tabula Chorographicae multorum Auctorum scriptis, præsertim vero ex Hieronymi. . .

Map Maker: Giralomo Benzoni /  Theodore De Bry

Description:

Striking early map of Florida, Gulf Coast, Caribbean and north coast of South America, published by De Dry.

One of the most spectacular maps of any part of the world from the age of the discovery.   Benzoni's map is one of the earliest separate delineations of Florida and northern South America and one of the earliest maps to focus on the Caribbean. The islands of the Bahamas are disproportionately large, the Bahama and Lucaya Islands placed considerably north of their true location.

The legends on the map note the four voyages of Columbus and make a very early reference to the Gulf Stream. The map is based upon charts drawn by Giralomo Benzoni, who explored the New World between 1541 and 1556.  Although the shape of Florida is the same as the Le Moyne/De Bry map of 1591, Benzoni's explorations predate LeMoyne and deserve primacy for the configuration of Florida.

The map is a remarkable blend of important early cartographic information in the age of discovery and the finest decorative engraving of the period. Includes numerous sea monsters, sailing ships, a compass rose and decorative cartouche.

Condition Description: Lower decorative border reinstated and margins extended. Minor soiling

References: Burden 83; Potter p.164.

Related Categories:
Maps of the Caribbean
Maps of the American South
Maps of South America
Maps of Southeast America