Very Rare Original Color

"[Title on Verso] Tabula Moder. Gronlandiae et Russiae", Waldseemuller/Fries

This is one of two 'modern' world maps included in Fries' Ptolemaic atlas and one of the few early 16th century world maps available to collectors. It is a reduced version of Waldseemuller's famous Admiral's Map, concentrating on the Old World but showing parts of America at the left side. Decorative elements have been added including an elephant and portraits of five kings - of Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Toprobana and Mursuli. It provides a fascinating view of what was known, and not known, of the world at the beginning of the Age of Discovery. Title is on verso, enclosed in a decorative woodblock illustration.

References: Shirley #49; Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #208-49.

Condition: B

Original color with a number of small worm holes and one worm track in the Indian Ocean. A 1/2" hole along the northern Russia coastline has an old professional repair with a small amount of image and color replaced in facsimile. The right and left-hand margins have been extended with period paper to accommodate framing, and the right-hand half of the sheet has been backed with old paper.