Subject: Portugal
Period: 1571 (published)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Black & White
Size:
20.2 x 13.4 inches
51.3 x 34 cm
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 is from the first copper plate from the Latin edition of 1571.
References: Van den Broecke #26.
Condition: B+
A dark impression on a bright sheet with an eagle watermark, light soiling and printer's ink residue, a printer's crease at bottom right, and professional repairs to several small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet.