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Van der Aa map of America California an Island

Title: L'Amerique selon les Nouvelles Observations de Messrs. de l'Academie des Science, etc.
Author: Aa, Pieter van der
Description: Copper-engraved map, hand-colored (possibly later), with colored pictorial cartouche. 46.7x65.8 cm. (18½x26").Striking and quite attractive map of North and South America, with California a large island. The engraving is executed in superior fashion by J. Baptist. McLaughin notes of the map, "California with broad, indented northern coast. Mainland coast to the east is also very jagged. Title cartouche with bow-carrying female native in foreground, and village natives practicing cannibalism." Wheat, noting the archaic geography, states that "Here was certainly a 'throwback' map, though by a famous mapmaker who should have known better." Perhaps all the more desirable for that very reason, and highly decorative. The alternate title at top reads "America in Praecipius Partes Distributa ad Observatione Academiae Regiae Scientiarum et Exquisitissimas Tabulas Quae Nunquam Antehac Lucem Excusa a Francisco Hama, Cum Privilegio Ordinum Hollandiae et Westfrisiae." Koeman I, Aa6 (42), Aa9, V.63 (2); Leighly 124 & 140; McLaughlin 184; Tooley 71; Wheat Transmississippi 95.
Heading: zzgPlace Published: Leiden
Publisher:
Date Published: 1713