Peru. Willem Blaeu, Peru, from Novus Atlas, 1634 (circa). Hand Color. Beautifully engraved map based on the cartography of Hessel Gerritsz. The map covers the Pacific coast of South America from Ecuador as far south as the Atacama Desert in the northern reaches of Chile. It includes the Potosi silver mines, Titicaca, Cusco, Quito, and numerous other towns and villages. The dramatic strapwork cartouche incorporates both the title and the distance scales. A large compass rose orients the map with north to the left. It is further decorated with four Spanish galleons and three sea monsters. This is one of the plates that Blaeu acquired from the widow of Jodocus Hondius in 1629. German text on verso, published in 1634 or 1635.

LITERATURE: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #9820:2.2.

A nice impression on a lightly toned sheet with light scattered foxing and dampstaining that faintly appears in the map image around the centerfold at top. There is a repaired hole in the bottom margin. Grade: B+

14.8 x 19.3 in