Idea Naturalis Americae Borealis Digito Dei Fromata Geographice Proposita An. MDCC

Striking map of North America, showing California as an island, from Scherer's Atlas Novus. Fascinating depiction of the Great Lakes, Florida and California. Nearly 20 sea creatures are shown. Numeous animals are shown roaming the interior of North America.

The important, large river systems are exceptionally well illustrated. Many placenames are included in the interior as well as on the coasts. Heinrich Scherer was a devout Jesuit, and professor of mathematics at Munich.

Decorative map by Heinrich Scherer for his Atlas Novus exhibens orbem terraguem per naturae opera, historiae navae acveterus monumenta, artistique geographicae leges et praecepta...published in eight volumes from 1702-1710 in Munich. Scherer, a devout Jesuit, produced this geographical compendium to depict the Catholic hierarchy and the spread of Jesuit missions throughout the world.

“This map of North America appears in the first part of Heinrich Scherer's Atlas Novus entitled Geographia Naturalis. Although the map was not published until later it is included here as it is dated 1700. Much of the cartography is identical, although here the focus is on the natural features of the continent. Various sea creatures and animals are dispersed randomly and one of the cartouches is ornately decorated with flora and fauna, unfortunately some are native to Africa. The title rests in a podium surmounted by an image of the globe centred on the American continent. The atlas was reissued between 1730-37.", (Burden "The Mapping of North America II", p. 499).

Copper engraving, in very good condition.

Bibliografia:

Burden "The Mapping of North America II ", pp. 499-500, n. 772; McLaughlin 140, Tooly 89, Leighly 154.