"Insula Candia Ejusque Fortificatio ", Wit, Frederick de

This dramatic map of Crete shows the island following the Siege of Candia, a conflict in which Ottoman forces besieged the Venetian-ruled city until their ultimate victory 21 years later. The map is based on the cartography of Sebastien de Pontault de Beaulieu, who mapped many of the Mediterranean fortifications in about 1674. The island is filled with good information on roads, towns, and topography. Six insets showing the fortifications of Canea, Candia, Spina Longa, Retimo, Thine, and Suda are engraved in fine detail, with numbered keys identifying specific sites in Chania and Candia. The sea is filled with many war ships representing the epic struggle, and the banner-style title is held aloft by two putti.

References: Zacharakis #2392.

Condition: A

A sharp impression with a minor printer's crease adjacent to the centerfold and professionally repaired centerfold separations at top and bottom.