Name of print : AMERICAE Nova Tabula Auct. Guiljelmo Blaeuw
Cartographer : Blaeu
This copy from a 1642 atlas, 4th state, see Burden 189, p. 232
Area depicted : America; inset: Greenland and Iceland.
Surrounded by (left and right) 10 pairs of indigenous inhabitants;
Along the top: 9 cities.
Stock number : 3396
Plate size : 417 x 558 mm;
Paper size : 443 x 588 mm;
Paper color : white and fresh;
Age of map color: old, original color;
Colors used : red, green yellow, pink, orange, blue
Overall color impression: convincing and authentic
Imperfections
margins : none;
plate area : none;
verso : entire map backed by heavy paper
Remarks: since the authenticity of this map has been questioned by a dealer, I submitted it to Frank Manasek, who is writing a book on forger maps. This is his verdict:
October 17, 2000
Dear Marcel:
I have had the chance to examine your Blaeu map closely and here is my
diagnosis.
The paper has been heavily cleaned and faint traces of ink mss. remain.
Overall, the paper has been really brutalized, but presumably it needed it.
It is difficult to see that it is laid paper since the heavy backing
interferes with the laid lines. However, I can almost make out some faint
watermarks on the left half of the map, particularly around the title area.
The binder’s stub on the verso is obviously a dummy, perhaps put on to
deceive.
Under a microscope the lines appear to be genuine engraved lines - they are not
photoetched. The map is not a repro but an authentic engraving. However, it is
on very thin paper that has been laid down on a backing and margins added. When
I look at it with a strong UV light it has a curious mottled appearance.
Evidently a starch-based paste was used to lay the map down and the mottling
comes from some other substance on the back of the map interfering with the UV
light or by having caused the paste thickness to vary. In places bits of the
paste have been pressed through the paper of the map and cause bright
fluorescent spots. I suspect that at some time the map was laid down on
something else and all traces of old glue could not be removed.
In summary, this appears to be a heavily re-worked original Blaeu map, washed,
bleached, repaired, rebacked and remargined.
Thank you for letting me see this map - I hope it helps.
Frank
In short: in terms of quality, it is not a perfect map, but for framing, it is very good.
Overall quality : perfect/excellent/VERY GOOD/good/fair/mediocre/poor.
Price : € EURO 7500