Catalog Archive
Auction 120, Lot 679

"Soria et Terra Santa Nuova Tavola", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1598 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9.5 x 7.1 inches
24.1 x 18 cm
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This early map of Syria, the Holy Land and Cyprus is an enlarged version of Gastald's important map of the same title. Girolamo Ruscelli, the editor, and Valgrisi, the publisher, improved on Gastaldi's map by following the revisions made by Gastaldi in the Holy Land area of his eight-sheet map of Asia that was published in 1561. The coastline, Jordan Valley and inland seas are much improved from earlier maps, but there are still a number of errors; Mount Lebanon (Monte Libano) is shown well east of Damascus, Jerusalem is too close to the coast, Beirut (Baruto) is too far inland, and some rivers are overstated. Still it is a remarkable presentation of the region for the time period. Engraved in the Italian style with a stippled sea and mountains distinguishing the interior. This is the third edition with a ship added in the Mediterranean. Italian text on verso.

References: cf Laor #621; Nebenzahl, plt. 27.

Condition: A+

Estimate: $500 - $600

Sold for: $325

Closed on 7/18/2007

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