Map of America 1628 - J. Hondius Reprint - M1628


A historical map of the Americas is a unique decoration that will adorn any room with an atmosphere of discovery. It will reliably serve as a gift for a traveler and a historian.

Product information:

• Dimensions: 37.5 x 50 cm
• Tube for storing the map included
• The reprint has been prepared with the utmost care to resemble the original map.
• The original map was made in 1604.


History of the map

The map made by Jodocus Hondius in 1604 depicts the continents of North and South America. A distinctive feature of the map is its rich ornamentation – the map includes images of various beasts, ships, and other decorative elements. The map contains a wealth of cartographic details. At the time of its first publication, it was intended to be the definitive representation of the continent. It offered a more accurate depiction of the west coast of South America compared with earlier Mercator maps. Hondius also narrowed the width of the continent.

The map also depicts various vessels from different cultures. In the west, a Japanese square ship can be seen, while three European ships sail south. Near the Strait of Magellan there is an image of a European ship and a native canoe. Additionally, the map includes an image of a Greenlander in a kayak, holding a trident and wearing what appears to be a Santa Claus hat.

Another distinctive element of this map is located in the lower left corner - it depicts Brazilian natives brewing cauim, an alcoholic beverage made from cassava root. The scene illustrates the process in which women chew the root to aid fermentation, while men consume the drink. These scenes and the native boats were inspired by the collections of Theodor DeBry, whom Hondius knew personally.