September 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, September 24th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/24/2020
An important 16th century North American map known not only for its level of detail and accuracy, but also for its ''firsts'': the first printed map of Virginia and North Carolina, the first to use Virginia in its title, the first to name the Chesapeake Bay, and also the first regional map showing the Roanoke Colony. Frankfurt: Theodor de Bry (engraver) for inclusion in his ''Anglorum in Virginiam aduentus'', 1590.
Map is based on the work of cartographer, artist and explorer John White, one of the first settlers and Governor of the Roanoke Colony who, after sailing back to the Colony from England in 1587, had found all the colonists famously missing, their fate a mystery still unsolved. Philip Burden, who wrote the definitive reference book, ''The Mapping of North America'', wrote of this map: ''One of the most significant cartographical milestones in colonial North American history...the most accurate map drawn in the sixteenth century of any part of that continent.''
This full-sheet engraved map still retains its dark print, with the English Royal Arms at top left, and artistic touches throughout such as ships and sea monsters in the open ocean, and Native American canoeists in the inland waters. Map is the second state, with ''C'' laid over the ''E'' in Ehesepiooc. Map measures 16.675'' x 12.25'', nicely matted and framed to a size of 28'' x 23.5''. Expert repair to single vertical fold, and small area of repair to lower right corner, just touching the edge of the ship, where paper loss has been replaced. Overall in very good to near fine condition given age, displaying beautifully.
John White's Map of Virginia From 1590 -- The First Printed Map of Virginia and North Carolina
Click above for larger image.