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Description
Heavily embellished example of the eastern part of Visscher's 2-sheet map of the Northeastern part of North America, first published in 1696.
Cartographically, the map extends from Nova Scotia and Acadia to Newfoundland, the St. Lawrence Gulf and St. Lawrence River, along with the Grand Banks. This is the second state of the map, following a proof state, which lacks the trees and mountains.
What makes this example unique are the numerous pasted down additions to the map, which make for a remarkably decorative image. These include:
- An elaborate scene (perhaps from a Van Keulen sea chart?), depicting a curious battle between man and animals
- The words "Terra Nova" separately pasted down within the above scene.
- An elaborate compass rose
- A pair of sailing ships near the scale of miles
- A third sailing ship above the pair.
While almost certainly not the result of the Visscher workshop, the extra illustrations make for a remarkable finished product, transforming a relatively plain map into a remarkable collage.
Condition Description
Old color. A number of extra contemporary elements pasted onto the map. A few minor tears, expertly repaired on verso.
Reference
McCorkle 689.8; Kershaw I:321, plate 207