- 25
Mercator, Gerard and Jodocus Hondius
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- L'Atlas ou Méditations Cosmographiques de la Fabrique du Monde et Figure diceluy. Amsterdam: Jodocus Hondius, 1613
- Paper
Second French text edition, folio (460 x 250mm.), engraved architectural title with overslips, double portrait of Mercator and Hondius, 4 engraved divisional titles, 150 mostly double-page engraved maps with contemporary hand-colour, titles, maps and initial letters heightened with gold, contemporary calf, housed in custom clamshell box, occasional minor repair and strengthening, mainly at folds, occasional spotting and discoloration, binding repaired at extremities
Provenance
Amalia, Fürstin von Gallitzin, book-label; sale in these rooms, 24 June 1988, lot 289
Literature
Koeman II, Me23A; Van der Krogt 1:112
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A LANDMARK CARTOGRAPHICAL WORK WITH A DISTINGUISHED PROVENANCE. Begun by Mercator in 1595, publication of the atlas was continued by Jodocus Hondius who purchased Mercator's plates in 1604. In 1606 the first Amsterdam edition of the Mercator Atlas appeared and from then to 1638 the atlas saw many enlarged editions in various languages. This is the first French edition to be published after the death of Jodocus Hondius in 1612.
Gerard Mercator is one of the greatest figures of cartography: his influence on the way we perceive the world is still felt today through his innovative projection of the globe, which has been used by navigators ever since its invention in 1569. Further to this, Mercator also coined the phrase "atlas" and his complete work of 1595 is the first collection of maps to carry this appellation.