This stunning two-sheet map of Spain and Portugal is a masterpiece of the mapmaker's art. Vincenzo Coronelli was a Franciscan priest and renowned mathematician and cartographer. He was appointed official Cosmographer to the Venetian Republic in 1685 and founded the world's earliest geographic society, L'Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti. He was also appointed Map-maker Royal to Louis XIV, which gave him access to the latest French manuscript records that he was able to incorporate into his printed maps. His maps are boldly engraved and filled with detail of the cities, villages, forests, and topography. A huge cartouche at bottom right is formed from sixteen coats of arms topped by the sword-wielding Castilian lion and the title cartouche is emblazoned onto a drape held aloft by a swan, a lion, and an elephant. A smaller title cartouche adorns the western sheet. Both sheets have complete borders and are un-joined as issued - if joined the map would measure 35 x 23.8". Italian text and a small plan of Cadiz (6.5 x 5.3") on verso.

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Condition: B+

Light soil along centerfold with some light offsetting in map. The centerfolds have been reinforced with tissue on verso, repairing a few small binding holes.