Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 570

"Malta", Porcacchi, Tomaso

Subject: Malta

Period: 1576 (circa)

Publication: L'Isole piu Famose del Mondo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
5.6 x 4.1 inches
14.2 x 10.4 cm
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This is one of the earliest separate maps of Malta, with north oriented at the bottom. The map is adorned with a compass rose, sea monsters, sailing ship, merman, and a decorative cartouche featuring a wind head. The coast of Sicily is at bottom, and appears to be equidistant to Malta as the coast of Gozo, which is strangely depicted due west. Engraved by Girolamo Porro and printed on a full sheet (7.3 x 10.5") of Italian text.

References:

Condition: B+

A few small, spots and stains with marginal soiling. There is a small hole in blank margin at top right, far from map image.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $250

Closed on 9/13/2023

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