"Portugalliae que olim Lusitania, Novissima Exactissima & Descriptio, Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is from the second revised plate, first state. French text on verso, published in 1598.

References: Van den Broecke #27.

Condition: A

Attractive color on watermarked paper with wide, original margins, all edges gilt, and one very minor spot at bottom of map.