Map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean

Hand-coloured copperplate map by German cartographer Johann Baptist Homann. In addition to Mexico, the map also shows other parts of North America and the Caribbean. Homann's maps were renowned for their lavish decoration and this copy is no exception. The title cartouche is portrayed as a buffalo skin, with a depiction of a naval battle in the lower left. On the right side of the map, a large parergon showing trade between natives and Europeans, with gold mining in the mountains behind. Just below this parergon is a mention of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Antilles in 1492. Further down the map are notes referring to a voyage through the Caribbean. The dotted line shows the marine route that lines the east coast of Florida, heading to Cuba and continuing to the port city of Veracruz, which was the gateway to Mexico for Europeans.