Hondius' Elegant Map of Cyprus

"Cyprus Ins.", Hondius, Jodocus

This superb map of the island of Cyprus is geographically based on the earlier work of Ortelius. This map was added to Mercator's Atlas by Hondius, as Mercator never published a map of Cyprus. Hondius changed the orientation from Ortelius' map, likely influenced by Ptolemy. The beautiful composition of the map makes it one of the most desirable maps of the island. At bottom are inset maps of five Greek islands: Lemnos, Chios, Lesbos, Evia, Kythira, and Rhodes. The map itself is handsomely adorned with a sea monster, a sailing ship, two strapwork cartouches, and a moire patterned sea.

References: Stylianou, pp. 83-85, 290; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #8130:1A.

Condition: A

A nice impression with attractive color and original margins. There is an old paper repair in bottom blank margin, far from image, and faint damp stains in far left and right margins.