Catalog Archive
Auction 114, Lot 15

"Orbis Descriptio", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: World

Period: 1561 (circa)

Publication: La Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10 x 7 inches
25.4 x 17.8 cm
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This important map is the first double hemisphere world map to appear in atlas form. It is elegantly engraved in the characteristic Italian style and adapted from the oval projection used for Gastaldi's larger world map. Terra Incognita is distinctly shown as a land bridge linking Asia and North America with its coastline labeled Littus incognitum. There is no southern continent. First state. Italian text on verso.

References: Shirley #110; Manasek #20.

Condition: B

Good impression with slight printer's ink residue as is common for this map. Couple of minor spots within plate mark. Two burns in blank margins and an archival tape repair on bottom fold, not affecting map.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $700

Closed on 3/1/2006

Archived