Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 10

"Orbis Descriptio", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: World

Period: 1561 (circa)

Publication: La Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo

Color: Black & White

Size:
10 x 7 inches
25.4 x 17.8 cm
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This important map is the first double hemisphere world map to appear in atlas form. It is elegantly engraved in the characteristic Italian style, adapted from the oval projection used for Gastaldi's larger world map and presented on what is known as Roger Bacon's circular projection. Terra Incognita is distinctly shown as a land bridge linking Asia and North America with its coastline labeled Littus incognitum. There is no southern continent. First state. Italian text on verso.

References: Shirley #110; Manasek #20.

Condition: A

Bit of residual ink from the plate as is common with this map. Some finger soil in blank margins.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 6/21/2006

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