Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 703

"Insula Malta Accuratissime Delineata, Urbibus, et Fortalitiis", Wit, Frederick de

Subject: Malta

Period: 1680 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.3 x 17.5 inches
54.1 x 44.5 cm
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This superb map shows the strategic location of Malta between Sicily and the northern coast of Africa where the fortified cities of Tunis and Tripoli are highlighted. A large inset shows the extensive fortifications of Valleta that were built by the famous Knights of Malta after the Siege of Malta. Three sea battles are depicted in the Mediterranean and a key identifies the important sites. The title cartouche is festooned with implements of war and a beautiful, picture-frame style border encloses the map.

References:

Condition: B

Lovely color with minor centerfold separations that have been expertly repaired. There is an extraneous fold to the right of the centerfold, with minute loss of image along the southwest coastline of Malta. A tear through the lower-left corner of the map, as well as a few short tears in blank margins, have been professionally and nearly invisibly repaired.

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,000

Sold for: $1,300

Closed on 12/7/2011

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