Catalog Archive
Auction 154, Lot 559

NO RESERVE

"[Croatian Islands]", Bordone, Benedetto

Subject: Croatian Islands

Period: 1534 (circa)

Publication: Isolario

Color: Hand Color

Size:
5.7 x 3.3 inches
14.5 x 8.4 cm
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This small woodblock map shows Croatian islands off the coast of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, including Cres (Cherso) and Krk (Uegia). The verso features islands farther south in the Dalmatian archipelago, centering on Vis (Lisa) and depicting nearby islands such as Bisevo (Buxo), Svetac (S. Andrea), and a portion of Brac (Brazza). The islands are illustrated with mountainous topography. On a full sheet of Italian text measuring 7.9 x 11.8".

Bordone was an illuminator and wood-engraver, working in Venice, when he was given permission by the Senate in 1508 to print maps of Italy and the world. None of those maps have survived and his only remaining works are the maps from his Isolario.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #28-39 & 40; cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BORD-1a #39 & 40.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with minor show-through of text on verso as well as light soiling and scattered foxing. A previous owner's embossed stamp is in bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $180 - $210

Sold for: $60

Closed on 9/16/2015

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