Americae tam Septentrionalis quam Meridionalis in Mappa Geographica Delineatio

Scarce Zurner Map of America -- California shown as an Island.

Fine old color example of this scarce map of America, showing California as an island, published by Zurner and engraved by Pieter Schenk.

Zurner's map is a fascinating compilation of up to date information and cartographic myths. The main body of North America reflects corrected information, including De L'Isle's treatment of the Mississippi River Valley and the Rio Grande River properly flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. In depicting California as an Island, Zurner uses the Second Sanson model, but makes the Northeastern part of the Island very tentative in nature, clearly aware that other map makers have abandoned the myth of the island of California.

The map also shows a massive Terra Esonis Incognita, a vestage of the prior century, when popular (mythical) cartography showed a near continuous land bridge from the Straits of Anian to Japan. The Pays de Moozemlek is shown to the East of the Straits of Anian, a myth which would become very popular in the early 18th Century and would combine with Lahontan's mythical river to dominate the landscape of the region in the first part of the 18th Century.

Includes two beautiful allegorical cartouches, including a title cartouche, flanked by two Native Americans and large vignette at bottom showing explorers seated around a table, natives worshiping in a temple, and a battle. Latin text enclosed in the cartouche discusses the explorations of Columbus, and Catholic missions.

Copper engraving, contemporary colour, in perfect condition.