Lot #26: Restrike of 16th C New England Map by Sir Robert Dudley

This map is based on an 18th century re-strike of a 17th century map from the original wood plate by Sir Robert Dudley, 1574-1649, engraved by Anton Francesco Lucini, and published in Dudley's atlas "Arcano del Mare" or "The Secret of the Sea." Titled "Carta Particolare della Nuova Belgia é Parte della Nuova Anglia," it shows coastal regions from present-day Cape May in New Jersey up into Maine. This feat of cartography was a first in several ways: the first known sea chart of New England, first such New England map to use Mercator's projection, and first to show winds, currents, and magnetic variations in compass readings, according to the history included on the reverse and other sources. The "Arcano" also contained information on navigation, ship-building, and cartography. Dudley was the illegitimate son of the Earl of Leicester, a prominent backer of various expeditions and a favorite of Elizabeth I. The Earl left Dudley a generous inheritance, allowing him to fund his own expeditions. After a failed attempt to establish his legitimacy through the English Star Chamber, he moved to Italy and became the naval advisor for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand I, and began to assemble his notes from various expeditions including his own, and some of those of Sir Francis Drake and Thomas Cavendish. The result was his "Arcano del Mare," completed in 1636, and published by Dudley himself in 1646, with a second state in 1661, after his death. Note the cartouche with a bearded man atop the title, the compass rose, and the elaborate Florentine calligraphy, added by engraver Lucini. (Lucini stated that he had used over 5,000 lbs. of copper in the plates for the "Arcano.") Many modern-day place names are already discernible. This map was reportedly removed from the 4-volume set "The Documentary History of New York," published in 1851 and containing many fold-out maps; this one faced the title page. Note evidence of binding at the left edge--and shows folds, some foxing, a small tear at bottom--all in keeping with its age. Resting on a backing board and framed under glass in a rope-motif wood frame. Dimensions: 20.5"W X 24"H Pickup category timeslot {A}