1601 Herrera Antique World Map - Rare! Start Price USD 1,500.00 Current Price USD 1,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 1,500.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, July 11, 2008 End Time Monday, July 21, 2008 Location Dallas, TX See more about '1601 Herrera Antique World Map - Rare!' Description Descripcion De Las Yndias Ocidentales(Description of the West Indies)   By   Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas   Published in Madrid, 1601, in Novus Orbis, sive Descrptio Indiae Occidentalis  Map Size:  13.25 x 10.25 inches (image slightly smaller)   AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE MAP -- NOT A REPRODUCTION!!   This rare copperplate engraving from the first Spanish edition with the decorative title cartouche in the Pacific Ocean (vs. later editions published into the 1700s w/o the cartouche) depicts the line of demarcation established by Pope Alexander V by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 to divide the world between the Spanish and the Portuguese.  Note the watermarks on the map paper to the right of the demarcation line, which, as the map clearly shows, favors the Spanish by claiming most of the New World and the valuable Spice Islands off the coast of Asia for Spain (despite the fact that no one really knew where the demarcation line continued on the far side of the world after cutting through the Americas).   In addition, this map contains many intriguing cartographic features.  This is one of the earliest maps to depict Korea (“Cory”) as an island along the unexplored coast of Asia.  Only the northern coasts of various land forms thought to be part of the legendary Terra Australis—Papua New Guinea, Tierra Del Fuego (“Estrecho de Magallanes”), etc.—are shown, and, here, years before Australia and New Zealand were first visited by Europeans.  South America is nearly bisected by large river channels cutting deep into the continent at various points.  North America hints at the possibility of a Northwest Passage along the top of the continent yet cuts off midway across.  Note also the ancient Portuguese name for the northeast coast of America: “Bacallaos,” a name that harkens back to the European codfish industry exploiting this valuable marine resource off the Grand Banks.   Overall the map is in very good to excellent condition (given that it’s over 400 years old) with no tears and only minor wrinkling across the map surface, easily pressed out should you decide to get the map framed professionally--or leave unframed as is.   Insurance is required for shipping.  Please send an email if you'd like an estimate of the shipping and insurance charge prior to bidding. Place a Bid!