Septentrio America map
19th Century copperplate engraved and hand coloured map of the Americas at the beginning of European settlement
Details based on European knowledge and misinformation of the New World.
The Spanish possessions in the Caribbean, Central America and South America are prominently displayed.
Indian kayaks, galleons, fishes, sea monsters, and what looks like a Chinese junk fill the seas.
A vignette bottom left shows Brazilian Indians making beer (a saliva fermented beverage)
Inscribed Septentrio America top and Jodocus Hondius excudit Amsterodami bottom
Image 37 cm x 48.5 cm (14" ½ x 19" 1/8)
Plate 40.5 cm x 52 cm (16” x 20” ½)
Jodocus Hondius (1563—1612) acquired the copperplates of the Mercator Atlas sive Cosmographicae and decided to re-issue them.
He prepared this map for inclusion in the Latin edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas as it is commonly called, first published in 1606.