Catalog Archive
Auction 145, Lot 636

Manuscript Map

"Plan de Malte", Anon.

Subject: Valetta, Malta

Period: 1752 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24.4 x 19.1 inches
62 x 48.5 cm
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A stunning manuscript bird's-eye plan of the Valetta peninsula and the two surrounding harbors, Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. There is great detail of fortifications, the block city plan, several adjacent forts and towns, and the surrounding countryside. A simple compass rose orients north to the bottom right, and an elaborate title cartouche fills the top left corner. Drawn on multiple joined sheets, then dissected and backed in linen.

References:

Condition: B

Original color with soiling, a couple of minor cracks in the paper (still fully supported by the linen), and some abrasions at far left and far right.

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000

Sold for: $1,300

Closed on 6/12/2013

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