Aethiopia Inferior, vel Exterior

Amsterdam: Willem Blaeu. unbound. Map. Copper plate engraving with hand coloring. Decorative title cartouche. Image measures 15" x 19.5". Sheet measures 20.75 x 24.5". Striking map of south Africa from Congo and Mozambique to the Cape of Good Hope. Dates to circa 1636. Part of Madagascar included. Identifies the mythical Mountains of the Moon or 'Lunae Montes'. The source of the Zambesi River (Zachaf Lacus) is also identified. The map includes beautiful illustrations of wildlife, including elephants and monkeys, four ships and a giant Sea Turtle. Title cartouche is engraved with images two figures with monkeys and turtles. One of the most famous mapmakers (truncated) of his time, Blaeu (1571-1638) and his family worked out of Amsterdam. Full original margins. Minor aging to edges and a few scattered chips and tears. (Inventory #: 262526)