America Septentrionalis, Novissima America Meridionalis accuratissima
[The Latest and Most Accurate [map] of North and South America]
P[ieter] Schenk
Amsterdam, c. 1690

The images illuminating this map represent the Americas and Europe. In the upper left scene, which represents Europe, the figure on the bottom left personifies a river god; the figure behind him may portray mineral wealth, as he appears to hold smelting implements. Two European explorers, one with a globe tucked under his arm, stand to left of the large base bearing the words "North America." On top of this base is an altar-like construction bearing four figures possibly symbolizing America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

At the bottom, left, the Americas are represented by the Indian figures surrounding the words "South America." Dressed in feather crowns, they are surrounded by common New World symbols: an elongated pipe, a quiver filled with arrows, and a llama. Natives rest in a hammock suspended within a watchtower supported by four palm trees.

Gift of Helen and Solis Seiferth

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Section 7 - The Art of Papermaking

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