Catalog Archive
Auction 189, Lot 520

"[Limonia, Carchi] [on verso] [Episcopia]", Bordone, Benedetto

Subject: Greek Islands

Period: 1528 (published)

Publication: Isolario

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.8 x 3.3 inches
14.7 x 8.4 cm
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This sheet from Bordone's Isolario features two simple and elegant woodblock maps. On recto are depictions of the Greek Islands Chalki and Alimia, while the verso contains a map of the island of Tilos. Bordone was an illuminator and wood-engraver, working in Venice, when he was given permission by the Senate in 1508 to print maps of Italy and the world. None of those maps have survived and his only remaining works are the maps from his Isolario. Isolario, which translates as "book of islands," was the first atlas covering the entire world based on contemporary information rather than classical geography. It included 112 simple and striking maps scattered through the text, depicting islands throughout the world, with a particular emphasis on islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Bordone first published his Isolario in 1528, with further editions in 1534, 1547, and 1565. On a sheet of Italian text measuring 7.6 x 11.6".

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #27-80 & 81; Shirley (BL Atlases) T-BORD-1a #82 & 83.

Condition: B+

There is minor foxing and manuscript notations in the blank margins.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $100

Closed on 9/14/2022

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