"S. Giovanni", Porcacchi, Tomaso

This captivating map of the island of Puerto Rico is based on the cartography of Giacomo Gastaldi. S. Croce (St. Croix) and Le Vergini (Virgin 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 the title cartouche. This map is from one of the most famous Isolarios (Island Books) produced in the 16th century. Printed on a full sheet (7 x 10.3") of Italian text with a historiated initial below and a 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 Taino Indian name.

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Condition: B+

A nice impression with a couple of faint spots and minor show-through of manuscript writing on verso.