Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 723

"Tabula Asiae VI", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: Arabia

Period: 1574 (circa)

Publication: La Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo Allessadrino…

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.3 x 7 inches
23.6 x 17.8 cm
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This fine Ptolemaic map of the Arabian Peninsula, here called Arabia Foelix, is an enlargement of Gastaldi's map of 1548. It is a fairly good representation of the peninsula, although Ptolemy overestimated the width of the southern part of the peninsula and distorted the shape of the Arabian Gulf. The map is presented on a trapezoidal projection with parallels and meridians (forerunners of lines of longitude and latitude) enumerated in the borders. Major towns are named, although not accurately located, and the rivers are entirely imaginary. Italian text on verso.

References: cf Tibbetts #30.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with printer's ink residue and light toning along centerfold. There are a few small worm holes in blank margins that have been professionally infilled.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $180

Closed on 5/23/2012

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