Bidspirit auction | Early facsimile Mapa Geografico de

Early facsimile Mapa Geografico de America Meridional by De La Cruz. - A very detailed and attractive map of South America, with cities and towns marked. The map is by DE LA CRUZ CANO Y OLMEDILLA, Juan and titled Mapa Geográfico de America Meridional. It was published in Madrid, dated 1775 but most likely a 19th century facsimilie. At the top right and left are insets of the port of Callao in Peru and La Angostura in Guyana. The whole map is surmounted by the Lion of León and the Castle of Castille and the Hapsburg double-headed eagle appears at the top right with garlands of ribbons to which are attached the coats of arms of the ruling families of the Spanish Colonies. Around the top of this map are depicted naturalistic swags of local flora, amongst which can be seen cacao pods, tomatoes and passion flowers. The title is contained in a decorative classical cartouche shaped like an obelisk and is flanked by personifications of Faith, Pomona (abundance) and America astride an alligator. Condition: laid on linen. Size 170 x 145 cm, 66.9 x 57 inch.