This framed Original Map, titled "Americae tam Septentrionalis Quam Meridionalis in Mappa Geographica", was published in 1709 by Adam Friedrich Zürner (1679–1742), a renowned German cartographer, and printed by Pieter Schenk (c. 1660 – Deliniatio 1711) in Amsterdam. This rare, well-preserved original map vividly showcases North, Central, and South America, with notable hand-colored cartouches.
Zurner's map is a fascinating compilation of up-to-date information and cartographic myths. The main body of North America reflects corrected information, including De L'Isle's treatment of the Mississippi River Valley and the Rio Grande River properly flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
In depicting California as an Island, Zurner uses the Second Sanson model, but makes the Northeastern part of the Island very tentative in nature, clearly aware that other map makers have abandoned the myth of the island of California.
The map also shows a massive Terra Esonis Incognita, a vestige of the prior century, when popular (mythical) cartography showed a near continuous land bridge from the Straits of Anian to Japan.
The Pays de Moozemlek is shown to the East of the Straits of Anian, a myth which would become very popular in the early 18th Century and would combine with Lahontan's mythical river to dominate the landscape of the region in the first part of the 18th Century.
Key Features:
- Depicts California as an island based on the Second Sanson model
- Includes detailed hand-colored cartouches featuring American Indians and European explorers
- Shows updated cartography with the Mississippi River Valley and Rio Grande River correctly flowing into the Gulf of Mexico
- Displays the mythical "Terra Esonis Incognita" and "Pays de Moozemlek" region
- Includes two beautiful allegorical cartouches, including a title cartouche, flanked by two Native Americans and large vignette at bottom showing explorers seated around a table, natives worshiping in a temple, and a battle.
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Latin text enclosed in the cartouche discusses the explorations of Columbus, and Catholic Missions.
- Includes Latin text discussing Columbus' explorations and Catholic missions
Condition: Excellent condition with vivid colors, some foxing, and a vertical center fold, typical of maps from this era. Lettering is crisp throughout, framers tag at verso, not examined out of frame.
Item Dimensions:
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Map: 20" H x 23" W
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Framed Map: 26.35" H x 29.25" W
Location: Collectors Crossroads - CC#QM0087
