Central South America, Paraguay. Hessel Gerritsz & Joannes de Laet, Paraguay, o Prov. de Rio de la Plata: met de Aenpalende Landen van Tucuman, ende Sta. Cruz de la Sierra, from Nieuwe Wereldt ofte Beschrijvinghe van West-Indien…, 1625 (circa). Hand Color. This fine map is by Hessel Gerritsz, whose cartography of South America laid the foundation for many other cartographers. It focuses on the Paraguay River basin and its tributaries, and extends to the western coast of Peru, including Lake Titicaca. The Rio de la Plata is boldly shown with many large islands in the broad river. The mythical Lago de los Xarayes is featured on the map, which was believed to connect the Rio de la Plata and Amazon River systems. The map is finely engraved with mountains, rivers, and forests and depicts numerous small villages. Several towns are named including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Potosi, and Cusco. A strapwork title cartouche, scale of miles, and compass rose decorate this very attractive map.

Watermarked paper with minor toning, light soiling, and several short centerfold separations that have been archivally repaired on verso. In top blank margin there is light show-through of old manuscript text on verso. Grade: B+

11.1 x 14.3 in