Scarce early map of the Cape of Good Hope

Description

This decorative map of the Cape of Good Hope by Johan Nieuhof was published in 1704, in the first English edition of a consolidated account of his travels, titled “A collection of voyages and travels, some now first printed from original manuscripts : others translated out of foreign languages, and now first publish'd in English ... in four volumes ...”.

Oriented to the west, the map reaches from Dassen Island (Dassen Isle) in the north, past Robben Island (Robben Isle) and the territory that is present-day Cape Town, to False Bay (Table Bay) and the Cape of Good Hope (not named on the map) in the south.

The map features pictorial representation of relief, with several mountains, bays, and islands named and Table Mountain rendered more distinctly. Ground conditions are described verbally as “Barron” [sic], “Very Good”, “Good Pasture ground in this Valley”, and “Gronds [sic] not fitt [sic] for Tillage”. A circular road is shown on land, while soundings are provided at sea.

In addition to typical topographical information, Nieuhoff has provided several informative annotations across the map, noting, for instance, “A Road where our People took through ye Countrys [sic]”, with reference to the one road shown, as well as “the Line where they intended to have cutt [sic] through the ground”, with reference to a dotted line connecting False Bay with Table Bay (both referred to as “Table Bay” on the map). The line represents an envisaged canal, first proposed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 1650s, but eventually abandoned a couple of decades later.

At sea, the map is embellished with a compass rose and numerous sailing ships, while groups of animals dot the land, including snakes, ostriches, elephants, and a rhinoceros, to name but a few.

There is a beautiful inset at bottom left, showing a topographic view of Table Bay with “ye Fort”, i.e. present-day Cape Town, and Table Mountain in the background, flanked by Devil’s Peak (Wind Mt.) and Lion’s Head (Lyon Mt.) on its left and right, respectively.

At bottom centre, a drape-style title cartouche is held up by what are likely meant to be native hunters, with a lion to the left and what might be the head of a wild boar at the bottom.

Another cartouche at bottom right holds two distance scales and is decorated by what are likely meant to be a Dutchman and a native, holding what appears to be a distance-measuring device.

A rare and wonderful early depiction of the “Cape of Storms”.

Publication

A collection of voyages and travels, some now first printed from original manuscripts : others translated out of foreign languages, and now first publish'd in English ... in four volumes ... [1704]

Note: Image shows pagination annotation (Betwixt page 184 & 185.) in top right corner.

Rarity

The map appears seldomly on the market. We are able to trace only six sales by dealers and auction houses over the last 40 years.

Condition

Fine.

Printed on watermarked paper, issued folding. Uncoloured. One tiny spot at middle right. Minor creasing in margins.

Item #: 02543

US $900.00

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