Map of North and South America

Map of North and South America

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Description
Frederick de Wit's decorative map, made about 1650, includes oval vignettes of Latin American cities along the top border. Single figures of different native peoples line either side, including a Virginiani chief and brave, as shown in the detail. Some figures have been crudely colored to cover their nakedness. The map represents a flawed understanding of New World geography, such as picturing California as an island.
Many maps of the Americas were produced during the period of exploration and colonial settlement in the 17th century. The period between 1630 and 1700 is known as the golden age of Dutch cartography, as the Netherlands was a center for map publishing as well as for the country's maritime enterprise that depended on maps and charts.
The Museum's map collection includes a number of important examples received as a gift from Mabel Brady Garvan, who, with her husband Francis P. Garvan, built an important collection of American paintings, furniture, and decorative arts that is now at the Yale University Art Gallery.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
print
map
Object Type
Engraving
Date made
ca 1650
maker
De Wit, F.
place made
Netherlands: North Holland, Amsterdam
depicted
United States: California
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
ink (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 17 3/16 in x 21 7/8 in; 43.65625 cm x 55.5625 cm
ID Number
GA.24303
accession number
251493
catalog number
GA*24303
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Francis P. Garvan
subject
Indians
Maps
Exploration and Discovery
See more items in
Work and Industry: Graphic Arts
Art
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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