499 - Africa

Africa Zatta, Antonio Eastern Guinea, comprising the Kingdoms of Loango, Congo, Angola, and Benguela. 1784. Copperplate engraving with border coloring and a yellow-washed frame on handmade paper. 42 x 33 cm (48 x 38 cm). Dated and inscribed in the cartouche: “Venezia 1784/Presso Antonio Zatta e Figli/Con Privilegio dell’Ecc.mo Senato,” as well as bearing the engraver’s mark “Pitteri sc.” Framed under glass. From: Antonio Zatta, *Atlante novissimo*, Vol. IV, Venice 1779–1785. - With the *Atlante novissimo*, Antonio Zatta produced one of the last great decorative atlases of the 18th century. Comprising four volumes, it contains over 200 maps. These are based primarily on French models and are distinguished by their clear, elegant Venetian engraving style. This sheet depicts the coast of Lower Guinea from the Gulf of Guinea to Benguela, including the kingdoms of Dahomey, Benin, Loango, Congo, and Angola, as well as the Portuguese islands in the gulf. - Horizontal center fold. Paper slightly age-toned and somewhat undulating; on the reverse, remnants of a former mount along the plate edge and at the center fold; green show-through of the coloring in the area of the cartouche; occasional foxing spots. Excellent, crisp print; the color is fresh. Horizontal center fold. Paper slightly age-toned and somewhat undulating. Remnants of a former mount on the reverse along the plate edge and at the center fold; green show-through of the coloring in the area of the cartouche; some foxing. An excellent, crisp impression; the color is fresh.