CORONELLI, V.M. - Bocche del Fiume Negro et Isole di Capo Verde. . .

This is a splendid map of the northwestern coast of Africa and the Cape Verde Islands.
The map provides details of the various Portuguese discoveries in the region in the late 15th century. The Portuguese maintained a trade monopoly in Africa until the middle of the 16th century when it was challenged by the other European powers.
Inset at top, in a wreath-style cartouche, is a plan of the island of Goree, the first and for most of the 17th century the most important slave depot in West Africa. At bottom is a large title cartouche with putti and a coat of arms.
The remarkable Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718), was a Franciscan Friar and appointed General of the Order in 1701. He was cosmographer to the Republic of Venice and founder of the Academia Cosmografica degli Argonauti, the world's first geographical society (1680). He was also one of the most prominent mapmakers and publishers in Europe of his day.