Sea Chart of Hudson Bay, Baffin Bay and Greenland by Frederick de Wit, 1690

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Title: c. 1690 Frederick de Wit Sea Chart of Hudson Bay, Baffin Bay, and Greenland - Engraved by Romeyn de … Read more Title: c. 1690 Frederick de Wit Sea Chart of Hudson Bay, Baffin Bay, and Greenland - Engraved by Romeyn de Hooghe This striking sea chart by Frederick de Wit, titled "Septemtrionaliora Americae à Groenlandia, per Freta Davidis et Hudson, ad Terram Novam," beautifully captures the coastlines of Hudson Bay, Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, and the surrounding parts of Canada and Greenland. Engraved by the talented Romeyn de Hooghe, this map was produced around 1690 and is based on earlier Arctic navigational maps from Jansson and Blaeu, along with information from Sanson's 1656 map. De Wit's chart was part of a significant series of Arctic maps that dominated navigation for the region throughout the late 17th century. The map features vivid original coloring, decorative cartouches, and numerous rhumb lines that crisscross the chart, indicating the complexities of navigation in this remote part of the world. It includes depictions of ships, symbolic of maritime exploration, and a decorative title cartouche portraying explorers in a scene of adventure and discovery. Frederick de Wit, originally from Gouda, was an influential Amsterdam-based mapmaker and publisher. His works were celebrated for their detail, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. Following his death in 1706, much of his map collection was acquired by Pieter Mortier, whose firm eventually became part of Covens & Mortier, a significant player in 18th-century cartography. This particular map is an excellent example of the intricate craftsmanship and geographic knowledge of the time, reflecting the rich history of exploration and the drive to chart the northernmost reaches of the American continent.

The map is in good condition, with several notable features: - Paper Quality: The paper shows signs of age-related toning, particularly around the edges, consistent with its age. There are minor creases along the edges but no significant tears. - Coloring: The original hand coloring remains vibrant, enhancing both the cartouches and geographical features. The colors have aged well, with minimal fading. - Edges and Margins: The margins are intact, though there is some wear and toning along the edges. There are a few small edge tears, but they do not affect the map’s printed area. - Folds and Creases: There are visible creases, particularly along the central fold, from the original binding. These creases are not heavily worn or significantly damaged. - Cartouche and Details: The decorative cartouches are crisp, with clear detailing, and the rhumb lines across the map are still sharp and visible. Summary: Overall, the map is in good condition for its age, with vibrant original coloring and clear engraving. Minor edge wear, creases, and toning are present but do not detract from the overall quality or displayability of the piece. See less