This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This example was issued folding with a blank verso. The map appears to be identical to the third state in Oretelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum with stippling added behind the sea names.

References: cf. Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a clean bright sheet. This example was issued folding with the left and right panels having been fully separated and expertly reattached on verso.