L'Afrique par le Sieur Du Val

A rare, ‘curiosity’ map of Africa by Pierre Duval that was issued separately and, therefore, is scarce. The continent is a miniature at the top left and there are 14 other miniature regional maps: Egypt (L Egypte), Northwest Africa (Numidie), West Africa (La Nigritie), a long horizontal view of North Africa (La Barbarie), Southeast Africa (Monomotapa), South Africa (La Cafrerie), the Horn of Africa (Le Languebar), Abyssinia (L Abissinie), Congo, Nubia, Terceira Island and the Azores, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands and Madagascar. Below each regional map is a laconic description of the region.

This example is the third state of the map (‘Laignet sur le quay de la Megisserie au fort leuseq’ is partially erased from the title). This state was published after 1661. A scarce and interesting, perhaps ‘curiosity’ map for the serious collector of Africana maps.

There is old outline old colour and text blocks on the map are also coloured either light green or beige. The map is printed on light paper. A few small marginal tears, outside the plate line, have been professionally repaired with conservation tissue.

References: Map Colllectors’ Series No. 47, p. 38. Betz’s Mapping of Africa # 85.3

Publisher: Paris, Pierre du Val

Dimensions: 49 x 40 cm sheet with text above

Date: c. 1661

Estimate: $2000-$2500

Reserve: $1500