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Rare map of Brazil, from Giovanni Giuseppe di Santa Teresa's
Istoria delle Guerre del Regno del Brasile accadute tra corone di Portogallo e la republica di olanda,, published in Rome in 1698.
This marvelous map of Brazil was one of 23 maps which appeared in this rare account of the Dutch-Portugese colonial war, which lasted until 1662, when Holland signed a treaty with Portugal, by which all territorial claims were abandoned by Holland, in exchange for certain commercial privileges. Borba de Moraes describes the book as "one of the most sumptuous works published in the XVII Century about a Brazilian subject. It was subsidized by 5 thousand cruzados by D. Pedro II, and the most famous engravers of the time did the engraving . . . The "Santa Teresa," as it is known among bibliophiles, is difficult to find complete and in good condition. Taunay considers it 'one of the most costly Brazilian
seicentista pieces . . when in perfect condition, and with all the magnificent maps and engravings that adorn it.'" (
Bibliographia Brasiliana, II, 231).
The map is oriented with West at the top, and includes an ornate allegorical cartouche and an elaborate vignette, showing acts of cannibalism. A second cartouche includes a lengthy annotation. One of the rarest decorative maps of Brazil issued during the 17th Century.
