Hondius and Janssonius's Map of North America, with California as an Island

Henricus Hondius; Jan Janssonius. AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALIS. Amstelodami: Excudit Ioannes Ianssonius, ca. 1641. Second state. Copperplate engraving, hand-colored outline and hand-colored cartouches, presenting North America with California as an island, the oceans with ships and sea creatures, the land populated by a variety of animals such as a polar bear, and (2) colorful cartouches, the one at upper left with the title, the one at lower left with Jan Janssonius imprint; verso blank except for the hand-written number "160"; matted and framed.

Plate size 18 3/8 x 21 3/4 in.; frame dimensions 28 11/16 x 31 9/16 in.

Private North Carolina collection

An important map presenting the myth of California as an island, and with many key landmarks and settlements identified, such as Jamestown.

Good estate condition; with light toning, faint discoloration at center fold, a vertical crease, minimal foxing, minor grime, one dark stain on recto resulting from the "160" on verso, edge chipping and toning, and light mat burn; center fold reinforced on verso, not laid down, attached to mat at two small points at the top.