Subject: Portugal
Period: 1691 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
23.7 x 17.5 inches
60.2 x 44.5 cm
This stunning map of Portugal is a fine example 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. Oriented with west at the top, this boldly engraved map is filled with detail of the cities, villages, mountains, forests, and rivers. The huge cartouche at bottom is embellished with military flags and canon. The scales cartouche and the arms of Portugal and Algarve are supported by mermen in the Atlantic and four smaller crests represent the adjacent regions of Spain.
References:
Condition: B+
Lightly toned on centerfold with a small hole, with no loss of engraving, near top neatly repaired.