Description

Early Decorative French Cartography -- a Carte-a-Figures set of the 4 continents published in Paris

Fine set of paneled maps of the 4 continents from Piere D'Avity's Les Etats, Empires Royaumes…du Monde, published in Paris in 1659.

The maps are based upon a set of the 4 continents first issued separately by Hondius in 1618, as modified by Picart in 1644.

The maps illustrate in the classic carte-a-figures style the costumes of the major indigenous peoples of the 4 continents and small views of the major cities.

Three of the four maps include blank dedicatory cartouches, suggesting that D'Avity had anticipated finding a patron for the maps, which and not yet materialized.

Rarity

Complete sets of the 4 continents are scarce on the market. This is the first time we have offered a complete set.