Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 440

"S. Giovanni", Porcacchi, Tomaso

Subject: Puerto Rico

Period: 1576 (circa)

Publication: L'Isole Piu Famose del Mondo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
5.5 x 4 inches
14 x 10.2 cm
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Captivating map of the island of Puerto Rico is based on the cartography of Giacomo Gastaldi. Le Vergini islands are shown to the east of the island and part of Hispaniola is depicted to the west. The map was graphically engraved by Girolamo Porro, with a stipple engraved sea embellished with a variety of sea monsters, a compass rose and a title cartouche. This map is from one of the most famous Isolarios (Island Books) produced in the 16th century. Printed on a full sheet (8 x 11.4") of Italian text with a historiated initial; title above map, Descrittione Dell' Isola dis Giovanni, detta Borichen. San Giovanni (San Juan) is the name that Christopher Columbus originally gave the island, honoring John the Baptist and Borichen is its indigenous Taíno Indian name.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $375 - $450

Sold for: $400

Closed on 5/20/2009

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