"Ducatus Ferrariensis, Finitimarumque Partium Descriptio: Auctore Ioan. Baptista Aleotti, Alias l'Argenta", Ortelius/Vrients

This rare and handsome map centers on Ferrara, a city that became one of the great cultural centers of Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries under the reign of Ercole d'Este I, and later Alfonso II. The fertile region surrounding Ferrara is well depicted with its extensive river systems and valleys. Oriented with north to the right, the map extends to include Venice, Bologne, and the lagoons of the Valli di Comacchio. This map was based on a single sheet map of the area by Giovanni Battista Aleotti in 1603. Spanish text on verso, published in 1609, 1612, and 1641 with the same typesetting on verso. This map was among the additions made by Vrients when he took over publication of the Theatrum after Ortelius' death. It was published in relatively few editions and is very uncommon.

References: Van den Broecke #133.

Condition: B

An excellent impression with attractive color and one small hole along centerfold at top that has been professionally repaired. Remargined at bottom with the entire bottom border (and a small sliver of the Gulf of Venice at bottom left) skillfully replaced in facsimile.