"L'Isle et Royaume de Sicile…", Fer, Nicolas de

This impressive map of the island of Sicily extends to include the Aeolian Islands, which are noted as being volcanic, and the tip of Italy. It is filled with a wealth of interesting detail including town, forests, fortresses, and numerous notes along the coastline. The most prominent features of the map are the large active volcano, Mt. Etna, and the fortified city of Messina. At lower left is a long description of the island. The map is adorned with a compass rose and a decorative title cartouche that is topped with the coat of arms of the Hohenstaufen Sicily. The House of Hohenstaufen was a dynasty of German kings that ruled Sicily from 1194-1268. Published by Jacques-Francois Benard, son-in-law and successor to Nicholas de Fer.

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Condition: B

Original color on watermarked paper with wide margins. There is toning along centerfold, light soiling, and some offsetting. A short tear in lower blank margin, far from map image , has been closed on verso with archival tape.