unbound
Amsterdam
by BLAEU, Willem
Amsterdam: Willem Blaeu. unbound. Map. Copper plate engraving with hand coloring. Decorative title cartouche. Image measures 15 1/4" x 19 3/4". Sheet measures 20 3/4 x 24 7/8". Fascinating map of central Africa including the legendary fictitious kingdom of Prester John. Published circa 1600, the map depicts the region from Sudan to Mozambique. The map includes many illustrations of wildlife, including elephants, ostriches, and monkeys. Title cartouche features two figures with babies, and have been beautifully hand colored. Willem Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prolific Dutch mapmaker who started one of the most famous map publishing firms of the 17th century. (truncated)