Catalog Archive
Auction 157, Lot 602

Hondius' Elegant Map of Cyprus

"Cyprus Ins:", Hondius, Jodocus

Subject: Cyprus

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Gerardi Mercatoris - Atlas sive Cosmographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.4 x 13.9 inches
49.3 x 35.3 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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. French text on verso.

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

Condition: B

A sharp impression with full original color, toning, professional repairs to several separations along the centerfold, and light scattered foxing in the blank margins.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Unsold

Closed on 5/4/2016

Archived