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"First detailed map that summarizes the discoveries of Frobisher and Davis."- Kershaw
Labrador/ Davis Strait.
WYTFLIET, C. [Louvain, 1597]
Estotilandia et Laboratoris Terra.
9 1/8 x 11 1/2 inches
Excellent condition.
"[Wytfliet's] maps are of considerable importance, particularly to the development of the cartography of Canada" (Kershaw). This map of the Northwest Atlantic is a rich blend of important early cartography and fantastic legend. Iceland, Greenland and Labrador figure prominently, but so does the legendary island of Frislant and the equally apocryphal Estotiland. While both Frislant and Estotiland appear in Mercator's 1569 map, this is the first map to focus specifically on these locations; Frislant itself is remarkably detailed, with eleven settlements clearly marked. South of Labrador can be seen a mysterious "R. de Tormenta" and near the river's mouth, twin islands marked "Ys.de Tormenta" and "Ys. de Fortuna" respectively.
In addition to this array of real and imagined places, the map also indicates "a furious over fall" emptying into the Davis Strait, which is thought to have inspired Hudson in his search for a Northwest Passage.
Kershaw Entry 40. |
