Subject: Eastern Mediterranean & Middle East
Period: 1654 (dated)
Publication: Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde
Color: Hand Color
Size:
21.6 x 16.2 inches
54.9 x 41.1 cm
This is the first state of this elegantly engraved map showing the extent of the Ottoman Empire from the Balkans to Persia, including Arabia and northern Africa. There are many place names and some nice topographical detail. Hyaman (Yemen) is inaccurately identified in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, and Nageran (Najran) is too far north. An inset at bottom left extends the map's coverage to include Algeria and Tunisia. The title cartouche at top right is decorated with a sultan and two female figures in peaked hats. Two distance scales are incorporated into the cartouche.
References: Ankary #59; Pastoureau, SANSON V A [83]; Tibbetts #99.
Condition: B+
A nice impression with contemporary outline color on a bright sheet with a large coat of arms watermark. There is some extraneous creasing, light soiling, and a few small worm tracks along the centerfold that have been backed with old paper.