Africa--Jode, Cornelis de.

Betz, Mapping of Africa 27; Norwich, Maps of Africa 19

The condition of this item is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Very scarce map of Africa.

Betz states this map to be based upon Mercator, but the geography is ultimately reliant on the Gastaldi prototype, hence its inclusion in this section. 

The map was newly engraved for the second edition of Gerard de Jode's Speculum orbis terrarum, published by his heir Cornelis de Jode in 1593, as Speculum orbis terrae. However, the atlas market in the Low Countries at this time was dominated by the Theatrum orbis terrarum of their rival Abraham Ortelius and, despite the Speculum being held in high regard by knowledgeable contemporaries, sales were poor, and individual sheets from either edition are only rarely encountered on the market (see lots 26, 28, 36, 37, 48, 50, and 61 for other de Jode maps).