Antique Map of the Americas with Island California by Danckerts, 1680

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Rare Antique Map of the Americas with Island California by Justus Danckerts, ca. 1696 This exceptional antique map titled Novissima … Read more Rare Antique Map of the Americas with Island California by Justus Danckerts, ca. 1696 This exceptional antique map titled Novissima et Accuratissima Totius Americae Descriptio per I. Danckerts presents a richly detailed and decorative depiction of the Americas, engraved and published by Justus Danckerts in Amsterdam around 1696. It is a fine example of late 17th-century Dutch cartography, notable for both its geographic content and elaborate artistic embellishments. One of the most remarkable features is the depiction of California as an island, a cartographic misconception that appeared frequently in maps of this period and was largely influenced by the model of Nicolas Sanson. The Great Lakes are represented with an open western shoreline, and the map does not show the northwestern coast of North America above 40 degrees latitude, reflecting the limited exploration of the Pacific Northwest at the time. The legendary Seven Cities of Cibola are depicted in the American Southwest, and the Mississippi River is shown in a vague and inaccurate course, placed far west of its actual mouth. A large lake in the southeastern part of North America, first popularized by Le Moyne, is also retained here. South America is shown with a notably wide profile, and a possible Northwest Passage is suggested by an optimistic extension from Button’s Bay in the far north. The decorative elements are among the highlights of this map. Two large cartouches, one in the top left and one in the lower left, include allegorical figures, native peoples, and exotic animals. The oceans are filled with sailing ships and sea monsters, adding to the visual interest and romantic allure typical of the period. These features make this map not only a document of early geographic knowledge but also an artistic representation of European imagination and ambition regarding the New World. While maps of the Americas by Visscher and De Wit are more commonly encountered, this edition by Justus Danckerts is considerably rarer and especially prized by collectors of Dutch maps and early American cartography.

Condition report: Very good condition overall. The hand coloring is vibrant and well preserved. There may be minor age-toning or faint spots in the margins, but the central image remains clean and sharp. No tears, repairs, or folds are visible. See less