1609 America

By: Jodocus Hondius Date: 1609 (published) Amsterdam  Dimensions: 12.75 x 19.75 inches (32.4 cm x 50.2 cm) This superb Hondius map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate and finest examples of Dutch cartography of the early seventeenth century. Despite the great breadth of North America and Virginia’s exaggerated coastline, its geographic features are remarkably accurate for its time. Depicting not only the Americas, but portions of the British Isles and even a small portion of Asia, the map is scientific and decorative at once. It presents a remarkably accurate western coastline of South America and narrows the breadth of Mexico. The coastlines are fully engraved with place names. The map’s decorative aspects are among the most elaborate of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations include fanciful sea monsters cavort in wide open seas, indigenous birds make up part of the inset in the lower left quadrant which shows indigenous peoples preparing an intoxicating drink made from ma