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Lot 1: Oronce Fine Double-Cordiform World Map (1531)

Est: $50,000 USD - $60,000 USDPassed
Old World AuctionsRichmond, VA, USOctober 10, 2024

Item Overview

Description

Rare First Edition of Double-Cordiform World Map with First Reference to Magellan's Voyage

Oronce Fine, Nova, et Integra Universi Orbis Descriptio, from Novus Orbis Regionum, dated 1531. Black & white.

This stunning map was prepared by French cartographer Oronce Fine in 1531 for the 1532 Paris edition of Johann Huttich and Simon Grynaeus' Novus Orbis Regionum. The work, which was a compilation of accounts of voyages and discoveries, was first published in Basel in 1532 with an oval world map by Sebastian Munster and Hans Holbein. The oval world map was replaced by this double-cordiform world map in the 1532 Paris edition, which was printed by Christian Wechel. The plate was used by several different publishers for their works, including Glareanus' De Geographia in 1536 and Pomponius Mela's De Orbis Situ in 1540, which was also printed by Christian Wechel. The map went through six different states for the various publications, with changes to the imprint and date in the cartouche at bottom. This example is the rare first state bearing the imprint of Oronce Fine ( Orontius F. Delph.) with the date 1531 at bottom center.

The double-cordiform projection is constructed of two heart-shaped forms, each centered on one of the poles. The right-hand cordum is centered on the South Pole and is mostly filled with Terra Australis, which is noted as being 'recently discovered but not yet explored.' The massive size of the great southern continent was assumed to balance the landmasses in the northern hemisphere, thereby enabling the earth to maintain equilibrium on its spinning axis. South America extends down to Terra Australis with the adjacent waters labeled Mare Magellanicum, which is the first reference to Magellan's circumnavigation around the world to appear on a printed map. Although an R. Brazil appears in South America, Brasielie Regio is placed along the Indian Ocean side of Terra Australis, which was likely misplaced due to a misinterpretation of several confusing accounts of Brazil being located across the waters from Africa.

The cartography of the left-hand cordum becomes even more convoluted. Here, despite knowledge of Magellan's voyage, Oronce Fine continues the myth that Asia is connected to the Americas. Northeastern Asia (essentially Russia) is connected to Labrador, which is labeled Baccalar. Further south in eastern Asia (at top left on the map), the nomenclature between Asian places and Central American places become interspersed. Central and South America are continued at bottom left, with several Caribbean islands noted, including Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico ( Borique), Dominica, and Grenada.

The map is surrounded by a delicate floral motif with the title presented in a ribbon banner at top above the arms of the Dauphin of France, a pair of mermaids flanking the cartouche at bottom, and cherubs holding a coat of arms and a flag in the bottom corners.

LITERATURE: Nordenskiold (Facsimile Atlas) p. 90 & 106, plate XLI (2); Shirley #66; Suarez (Shedding the Veil) #19.

Dimensions

16.6" W x 11.5" H

Artist or Maker

Date

Dated 1531

Condition Report

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with narrow side margins, as issued. There are professional repairs to short centerfold separations at top and bottom and a couple of tiny tears along the edges of the sheet. There are old creases adjacent to the centerfold at bottom that have been pressed flat, and a 1 cm separation along the right-hand fold just above "DELPH" in the cartouche at bottom has also been professionally repaired. Grade: A

Literature

Nordenskiold (Facsimile Atlas) p. 90 & 106, plate XLI (2); Shirley #66; Suarez (Shedding the Veil) #19.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Packaging, shipping and insurance is extra and will be added to the invoice. Unless specific instructions are received, Old World Auctions will determine the best method of packaging and shipment. We generally ship via USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL depending on the value and destination of the package. You will be charged the actual costs for packaging, insurance and shipping. You will have the opportunity to review the shipping details for your purchases directly on your invoice, including the carrier, insurance, and delivery signature. If you want to change any of these options, you must contact Old World Auctions and the OWA staff will make any necessary changes to your shipping cost. Winning purchases are shipped within five business days after receipt of your payment. Once the items have been shipped you will receive an email from the shipping carrier with your tracking information and we will post the ship date on your invoice.

Open and inspect your package immediately upon receipt. Any discrepancies, damage or missing items must be reported to us within 2 business days of receipt by you. All packaging materials must be retained until the discrepancy has been resolved.

Auction Details

Auction 200: Cartographic Treasures

by
Old World Auctions
October 10, 2024, 12:00 PM EST

3850 Gaskins Road Suite 220, Richmond, VA, 23233, US

Terms

Buyer's Premium

20.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$24,999$1,000
$25,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000+$10,000

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Shipping Terms

Packaging, shipping and insurance is extra and will be added to the invoice. Unless specific instructions are received, Old World Auctions will determine the best method of packaging and shipment. We generally ship via USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL depending on the value and destination of the package. You will be charged the actual costs for packaging, insurance and shipping. You will have the opportunity to review the shipping details for your purchases directly on your invoice, including the carrier, insurance, and delivery signature. If you want to change any of these options, you must contact Old World Auctions and the OWA staff will make any necessary changes to your shipping cost. Winning purchases are shipped within five business days after receipt of your payment. Once the items have been shipped you will receive an email from the shipping carrier with your tracking information and we will post the ship date on your invoice.

Open and inspect your package immediately upon receipt. Any discrepancies, damage or missing items must be reported to us within 2 business days of receipt by you. All packaging materials must be retained until the discrepancy has been resolved.