"Sicilia Regnum", Blaeu, Willem

This is a strikingly graphic map of the Kingdom of Sicily. The map is filled with topography and towns, including Palermo, Syracuse, Messina, as well as the erupting Mt. Aetna and Lake Pergusa, the mythological place where the goddess Persephone was taken into the underworld. The map is richly decorated with two coats of arms, two deftly engraved compass roses, and several ships. The title cartouche is emblazoned on a flag held by Persephone, symbolizing her return from the underworld. German text on verso, published between 1641-42.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #7510:2.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with a narrow sliver along the upper centerfold that has been expertly replaced with a small amount of image in facsimile. There is some minor text show through and light dampstains that are almost entirely confined to the margins.