This rare copper engraving is one of the most desirable early maps of Italy. It is one of only four maps in de Jode's Speculum that was dated, bearing the date anno 70 in the title cartouche. Although de Jode had begun work on the maps as early as 1569, he was not able to secure royal approbation for his atlas until 1577, thereby delaying production. There is evidence that the delays were caused in part by Abraham Ortelius, who didn't want competition with his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which was first published in 1570. By the time that de Jode's Speculum was finally published in 1578, Ortelius' atlas was already a success. As a result, the Speculum was not widely distributed, particularly in the first edition. It is estimated that only about twelve complete atlases are present today in various institutions throughout the world. After Gerard's death, his widow and son enlarged the atlas and re-issued it in 1593. On the death of Cornelis, the copper plates were sold to J. B. Vrients, who acquired them merely to stop their re-issue, as he had also acquired the Ortelius plates. De Jode maps are rarely offered on the market.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.JOD-1a; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #7000:32.1.

Condition: A

A superb, early impression on a watermarked sheet with a soft horizontal crease and minor toning along the edges of the sheet.