This very rare bird's-eye view was engraved by Paolo Forlani and is one of the earliest obtainable plans of Tripoli. Forlani first published this engraving in his Il primo libro delle citta, et fortezze principali del mondo in 1567. Giulio Ballino used plates from Forlani and Domenico Zenoi to publish De' Disegni delle Piu Illustri Citta, et Fortezze del Mondo... in 1569. The view shows the environs of the fortified port of Tripoli with numerous castles, towers, and men on horseback in the countryside, while various ships sail in the port and Mediterranean. A compass rose orients north to the top left of the sheet. Italian text on verso.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BALL-1a #47.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with light, scattered foxing, an archivally repaired centerfold separation at bottom, and a chip at top center, not affecting the image.