Map of Guinea

Dating to around 1690, this map charts the coastline of what was known in the past as ‘Guinea’, a region of Western Africa.

Created by Nicolaes Visscher and Johannes Jansson as part of the “Atlas Minor sive Geographia Compendiosa”, the plate mark for the map measures 52 cm x 38 cm.

With original hand colouring, the engraving depicts to great effect the various kingdoms, cities and important rivers highlighting the trade routes important at the time of making. Particular reference is made to the transatlantic trade, the point emphasised by showing trading ships all around the coast, sea monsters to show the dangerous nature of this trade and across the land itself, elephants, monkeys and lions. The wonderful cartouche surrounding the title shows us indigenous characters bearing necklaces of trade beads or pearls, hunting spear and parrot, together with various species of monkey. Two virtuous looking cherubs stride through the shallow coastal waters bearing a huge tusk of elephant ivory.

Within a hand made and finished frame, glazed front and back.

o.s:27.25 ins x 22 ins