Catalog Archive
Auction 109, Lot 645

"Sumatra ein grosse Insel so von den alten Geographen Taprobana ist genennt worden", Munster, Sebastian

Subject: Sri Lanka

Period: 1544-1578 (circa)

Publication: Cosmographiae…

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.4 x 10.4 inches
34 x 26.4 cm
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A nice impression of this great map of the island of Taprobana, which was variously thought to be Ceylon or Sumatra. This map depicts Ceylon with the typical misconceptions of Ptolemy showing a small part of India incorrectly in the northeast corner of the map. The most interesting feature of the map is the large engraving of an elephant beneath a tree that was copied from Gastaldi. The elephant is shown with large padded feet and a scoop on the end of its trunk. An important and desirable map.

References:

Condition: B

Good impression on fine hand laid paper with full original margins. Light occasional foxing.

Estimate: $500 - $700

Unsold

Closed on 12/1/2004

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