Hondius' Elegant Map of Cyprus

"Cyprus Ins:", Hondius, Jodocus

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 crisp impression with light toning, a tiny hole in the bottom blank margin, and light damp stains along the edges of the sheet.