"Nova Barbariae Descriptio", a 17th Century Hand-Colored Map of North Africa

Details

Description

This original attractive 17th century hand-colored map of North Africa entitled "Nova Barbariae Descriptio" by Johannes Janssonius was published in … Read more This original attractive 17th century hand-colored map of North Africa entitled "Nova Barbariae Descriptio" by Johannes Janssonius was published in Paris in 1635. It includes the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent countries in southern Europe, including Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Asia Minor. The map is embellished by many African land animals, including elephants, lions, monkeys, ostriches, camels, goats, a crocodile and a dragon. A sailing ship and a compass rose lie within the Mediterranean. The detailed coastline of Barbaria (North Africa) in addition to numerous towns, includes many prominent cities, such as Algiers and Oran in present day Algeria, Alexandria and the Nile delta in Egypt. There is Latin text on the verso. The map is presented in a green mat, which pairs well with the colors of the map. The mat measures 29" x 22.38" and the map sheet measures 23.75" x 20.25". There is a central fold, as issued. The map is in excellent condition. See less