Mercator, Michael | Evidence of early colonial efforts

Mercator, Michael

America sive India Nova. [Amsterdam: 1595 or later]

Copperplate engraved map (to sight: 655 x 470 mm). Handcoloring, with four roundels at each corner, one comprising the title; minor browning, one or two faint stray spots. Matted and framed; not examined out of frame.

An attractive and important map of the Americas

In the 1560s, the English and French began colonizing North America, and the cartographical endeavors that were undertaken during this period are very much reflected in Mercator's map. Tierre del Fuego is present as a part of the subcontinent of Terra Australis, where Magellan's voyage is detailed, and an account of Columbus's voyage is noted in the northwest portion of America.   

REFERENCE

Burden, Mapping of North America 87