"Creta Iovis Magni Medio Iacet Insula Ponto", Quad, Matthias von Kinckelbach

A handsome map of ancient Crete filled with details of towns, rivers and mountain ranges. The mythical labyrinth of the Minotaur is located near the center of the island. Although many of the maps in Quad's Europae Totius Terrarum Orbis Partis Praestantissimae were based on maps by Ortelius, this map of Crete is apparently based on classical sources. The map is embellished with a blank coat of arms, a cartouche containing Latin text on the island, and a stippled sea. Published by Johannes Bussemacher, whose imprint appears adjacent to the distance scale. Latin text on verso.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #236-57.

Condition: A

A superb dark impression on watermarked paper with a hint of toning.