A map of Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. The map was used to illustrate the Dutch translations of the account of the voyage of Cortes and Davila in Central America. Gil Gonzales D'Avila accompanied Pedro Arias D'Avila to the new world on his voyage of 1514. After traveling north to Darien and founding Panama City, Gil Gonzales D'Avila was sent north to explore the region that would become Nicaragua, etc. Vander Aa was one of the most prolific compilers of information on the early explorations to America, Asia, and Africa. In total, the work reached 130 narratives, which were offered in 28 8vo volumes. A finely executed copperplate engraving with decorative cartouche. Minor abrasion near Tortuga, but barely noticeable.

A rare decorative map executed in detailed engraving and fine hand coloring. The map shows information of early voyages of exploration by the Spanish in mid-America.

Pieter van der Aa (1659-1733) was a Dutch mapmaker and publisher who printed pirated editions of foreign bestsellers and illustrated books but is best known for his voluminous output of maps and atlases. Van der Aa was born to a German stonecutter from Holstein. Interestingly, all three van der Aa sons came to be involved in the printing business. Hildebrand was a copper engraver and Boudewyn was a printer.