Chile. Willem Blaeu, Chili, 1642 (circa). Hand Color. This striking map covers the known coastal region of Chile from around Antofagasta in the north to Cabo Gallegos in the south. The map is oriented with north to the left with two bold compass roses. The Andes are prominently shown, with two live volcanoes in the vicinity of Villarrica. Beyond the mountains, in what is now Argentina, there is a large unnamed (and nonexistent) lake and the cities of Mendoza and San Juan - with San Juan incorrectly placed to the south of Mendoza. Otherwise, the map is surprisingly accurate for its age with many recognizable place names, including La Serena, S. Iago (Santiago), Concepcion, Valdivia, and the Gulf of Ancud. It is beautifully adorned with three large cartouches, a scroll-style key, sailing ships, and sea monsters. Dutch text on verso, published between 1642-64.

LITERATURE: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9920:2.2.

A dark impression with light printer's ink residue and a diagonal extraneous crease. Grade: A

13.8 x 18.7 in