176. Hondius, Henricus: Nova Virginiae Tabula

Amsterdam, c. 1640.
Contemporary coloured map of Virginia by Henricus Hondius, published in Hondius’ “Nouvel Atlas”. The map is based on John Smith’s 1612 depiction, one of the most influential cartographic representations of the region, which shaped the cartography of the English colonial territories for decades. The map depicts Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay with detailed toponymy, indicating early English settlements, rivers, and coastal features. The inland areas also include the names and settlements of indigenous tribes, reflecting European knowledge of New World conditions at the time. The composition is enriched with elaborate ornamentation: the engraver employed several cartouches and indigenous figures, serving both illustrative and decorative purposes. A characteristic feature of the Hondius editions is the Native American figure on the right, gazing toward the Chesapeake Bay. The map appeared in similar versions by several major publishers of the period – including the workshops of Jan Jansson and Willem Blaeu – indicating the widespread influence of John Smith’s depiction. French text on verso.
Dimensions: 385 × 495 (480 × 585) mm. With a small tear on the lower margin, apart from that, a fine, clean copy.
Burden: 228.; van der Krogt: 9410:1.
 
Starting price: 400 000 Ft