Ile de S. Laurens ou Madagascar

Beautiful map of Madagascar based on French surveys and adapted to a Dutch style by van der Aa by the introduction of a very finely engraved cartouche.

The map was inserted into an account of voyages undertaken by a German diplomat, Jean Mandelslo to Russia and Persia in the 1630s. His intrepid adventures include separation from his ambassadorial group, an unplanned trip to India and Sri Lanka and a miraculous return after which he was able to publish and account of his adventures. Madagascar was a haven for privateers during this period as well as a strategic logistical marine hub, hence its inclusion in the work and the relatively high detail on the east coast.