"Velitrae Vulgo Blitri ou Velitres Ville Ancienne dans la Campagne de Rome", Blaeu/Mortier
Subject: Velletri, Italy
Period: 1704 (published)
Publication: Nouveau Theatre d'Italie
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20.8 x 16.4 inches
52.8 x 41.7 cm
This decorative view depicts the town of Velletri, which is located to the southeast of Rome. Individual buildings are shown within the fortified town along with farmers and travelers in the hilly foreground. A lettered key at bottom identifies four locations including Mount Cicero in the distance. This engraving was originally created by Johannes Blaeu, based upon an earlier view by Georg Hoefnagel, and was published in his three-volume town book of Italy in 1663. The town book was successful and was re-issued several times, including by Pierre Mortier in three volumes in 1704 and a more extensive four-volume atlas in 1705. Mortier's imprint is visible at bottom left.
References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BLA-4b & 4c.
Condition: A
An attractive example with a long separation along the plate mark at left (outside the image) that has been professionally repaired. Light soiling mostly in the blank margins.
