Preview
Identifier
metapth251713
Description
Dutch engraver and map-seller Frederick de Wit’s map of the Americas from the 1670s has a finely rendered Baroque cartouche borne above by a winged angel and an allegorical figure of a beautiful woman clothed in swirling drapery carrying a small cross. Seventeenth-century viewers would probably have interpreted her as representing Christianity, the Church, or true religion, which, by her high or elevated position, overpowers other, less appealing allegorical figures representing America (at left with a feather headdress) and particularly heresy or false religion (at right with demon-like claws on feet and hands). Although engraver and map-seller Frederick de Wit was a Catholic residing in Protestant Amsterdam, the rolls of the city council for 1694-1704 nevertheless listed him among the “goede mannen” (excellent citizens). [Gift of Virginia Garrett]
Archival Date
1680
Location
114/2
Collection Name
Cartographic Connections
Collection Number
110001
Publisher
University of Texas at Arlington Libraries
Original Format
Map
File Format
JPG
Rights
Any use of content downloaded or printed from this site is limited to non-commercial personal or educational use, including fair use as directed by U.S. copyright laws. For more information or for reproduction requests, please contact Special Collections
Subjects
South America; North America; Cuba; Canada
Item Type
image
Names
Wit, Frederick de (1630-1706)
Subjects
South America; North America; Cuba; Canada