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Author: Seutter, Matthew
Title: Novus Orbis Sive America Meridionalis et Septentrionalis per sua Regna, Provincias et Insulas Iuxta Observationes et Descriptiones Resentiss. Divisa et Adornata
Place Published: Augsburg
Publisher:
Date Published: c.1730
Description:

Engraved map, hand colored; 2 large colored pictorial cartouches. 49.9x57.9 cm. (19½x22¾"), hinged into matte.

Beautiful map of North and South America, with a superb and rich impression, with strong original color. California is an island off the west coast of North America, above which is the Fretum Anian. The title cartouche at lower left features natives engaged in various peaceful activities, and a few birds; the cartouche at upper left depicts Spanish grandees being served by several natives, with various religious objects present. McLaughlin describes the map as having "California as an island based on second Sanson model; also of Homann style, and with many coastal place names. Terra Esonis incogn and FRETUM ANIAN to northwest. Pays de Moozemleck to northeast." In the upper cartouche to the right there is a crucifix and two urns. This map is the first version of the second plate, with line of text at the lower right moved to the right so that it ends at the margin.

There are at least two plates of this map. For the first plate there are two versions of the upper cartouche. In the first, the seated female figure between two palms does not hold a cross in her right hand. There is one urn to the left of her. In the second, the female figure holds a cross in her right hand and there is an additional urn and a crucifix to the left of her. In the second version of the first plate there are two variatiations: one with text at the lower right and text just above the equater at the left margin and one without these texts. The second plate has the second cartouche above. The text at the lower right has been moved to the right so that it ends at the margin. In addition there a number of smaller less evident differences which indicate another plate. Next, there is a version of this second plate which has an additional line of text at the lower right which states that the map is issued by Probst in 1784.J Potter cat 6/008, states that early states have Mondocino instead of Mendicino in later states.

A near fine, bright example.