Beautiful Antique Facsimile (1870-1890) Hand Colored Engraving of America nova Tabula (new map of america) By Guiljelmo Blaeuw Marked: AMERICAE Nova Tabula Auct: Guiljelmo Blaeuw A 1621 On laid paper from ARCHES (1869) with watermark INGRES D’ARCHES MBM. Size: Sheet 19" x 24.5" Plate Imprint 16.75" x 22.25" Map Area 16" x 21.75" Map State 3 facsimile copper engraving, hand colored with latin text. The visual appeal of this map is enhanced greatly by the inclusion of three decorative borders. The one above contains nine plans or views of towns. The side panels each contain five portraits of figures. It includes Fretum le Maire and it has the coastline of TERRA AUSTRALIS INCOGNITA removed, however, mysteriously the name was left behind. It is a superb antique facsimile of the iconic map complete with fine art decorative cartography and with ships and sea monsters. Panels at sides each contain five portraits of figures of the native inhabitants of the two continents. Across the top are nine town plans including Mexico City, Havana, Cartegena, and Rio de Janeiro. A fine example of Blaeu’s iconic map with color and some light toning. Frayed edges. In good condition. With center fold as issued. Technique: Copper engraving hand colored on Arches paper. Blaeu's map of America is one of the most sought after maps of America from the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, blending contemporary geographical knowledge and a rich decorative image. Blaeu's maps set the standard for the quality of the engraving, paper and color, as well as a fine depiction of contemporary geographical knowledge. This map illustrates excellent detail throughout, including a classical rendition of the West Coast of America (California is not an island). There are nine decorative views of important American Cities and Harbors across the top and 10 fine miniatures of Native Americans of various regions along the side panels. The map is also embellished with eight sailing ships, four sea monsters and vignettes in the interior of the continent showing Indian life. There are 5 states of the map, as described by Burden: State 1: Blaeu uses the name Guiliel: Janssonius. No Straits of Le Maire (1617) (2 known examples--British Library and private collection) State 2: Straits of Le Maire added (1618) State 3: Name changed to Guiljelmo Blaeuw (1621) State 4: Engraved water around the ships and sea monsters in lower right part of map increased (1642) State 5: Sea area re-engraved with harsher straight lines An essential map for collectors of 17th Century American maps.