This is the rare first state of this attractive Italian map featuring a Mer de l'Ouest. Both states of this map are dated 1774, and the disappearance of the Sea of the West (replaced by mountains) appears to be the only change made to the second state of the map. This map must have been altered early in the publishing process, as the first state is much rarer than the second. The map also features the recent voyages of Bougainville (1766-69) and Cook (1768-71). Australia is connected to Terra di van Diemen and New Zealand appears as two islands, but in an unusual stout configuration. Greenland is shown connected to North America and Alaska is considerably oversized and open-ended in the west. The map is adorned with female figures representing the four continents in the corners. Engraved by Guilian Zuliani.

References: McGuirk #156; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.ZAT-1a, Vol. 1 #7.

Condition: B+

Full contemporary color on a bright sheet with an "AFC" watermark, light soiling, a hint of toning along the centerfold, a short centerfold separation along the bottom edge of the sheet, and faint foxing.