Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 618

"[Sardinia]", Bordone, Benedetto

Subject: Mediterranean, Sardinia

Period: 1528-65 (published)

Publication: Isolario

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.5 x 3.2 inches
14 x 8.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Fine, scarce woodblock map focuses on Sardinia with east oriented at top. The coastline is fairly recognizable, although the locations of cites and the place names are not. A Roman road courses through the northern part of the island. Bordone's Isolario was one of the earliest and most important works of its time. It is remarkable for being the first atlas covering the entire world not based on classical geography, but rather on contemporary information. Bordone was an illuminator and wood-engraver, working in Venice, when he was given permission by the Senate to print maps of Italy and the world. None of those maps have survived and his only remaining works are the maps from the Isolario (Island Book). On a full sheet of Italian text.

References:

Condition: A

Some manuscript brown ink notations outside neatline and some candle wax stains in text.

Estimate: $300 - $350

Sold for: $275

Closed on 6/21/2006

Archived