"Insula Candia Ejusque Fortificatio", Wit, Frederick de

Dramatic map of Crete with six insets showing the fortifications of Canea, Candia, Spina Longa, Retimo, Thine, and Suda. It is based on the cartography of Sebastien de Pontault de Beaulieu, who mapped many of the Mediterranean fortifications in about 1674. The island is filled with good information on roads, towns and topography, while the insets are minutely engraved with numbered keys identifying specific sites in Chania and Candia. The sea is filled with many war ships, and the banner-style title is held aloft by two putti.

References: Zacharakis, C. #2392.

Condition: B

Stunning, early impression and a sheet of hand laid paper with very wide margins and fine old hand coloring. A little toning at edges with some roughness two small lines of staining or toning in map below Crete. Clean split on upper centerfold just enters map, closed on verso. Shows beautifully.