Superb, Decorative Map of Cyprus

"Cypri Insulae Nova Descript.", Ortelius, Abraham

This bold map of Cyprus is based on Giacomo Franco's map circa 1570. It is embellished with three sailing ships, a sea monster and three elaborate strapwork cartouches, one of which encloses an inset map of the Greek island of Lemnos. The map of Lemnos was drawn directly by Ortelius from a written account by the French naturalist and traveler, Pierre Belon (1553). Engraved by Jan van Deutecum. This is the second state, with French text on verso, published in 1581.

References: Van den Broecke #149.2; Stylianou, pp. 60-62.

Condition: A

A dark impression with very light show-through of text on verso, a couple of printer's creases at top right, and an extraneous crease to the right of the centerfold. There is minor marginal soiling and light toning along the edges of the sheet.