Catalog Archive
Auction 147, Lot 519

"Siciliae Descriptio", Ortelius/Marchetti

Subject: Sicily, Italy

Period: 1598 (circa)

Publication: Il Theatro del Mondo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.1 x 2.9 inches
10.4 x 7.4 cm
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This great little miniature map shows rivers, lakes, and many towns on the island of Sicily. The stipple sea is adorned with a sailing ship, a galley, a sea monster, and an erupting volcano. Pietro Maria Marchetti produced the second pocket atlas based on Abraham Ortelius' folio Theatrum. It is often referred to as the plagiarized version of the Epitome. The copper plates are closely copied from those of Philip Galle's 1593 Italian edition. On a full sheet of Italian text measuring 5.5 x 7.5".

References: King (2nd Edition) pp. 78-79.

Condition: A

Watermarked paper with marginal soiling and minor show-through of text on verso.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 11/20/2013

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