"Portugalliae que olim Lusitania, Novissima & Exactissima Descriptio, Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is the third state with stippling added behind the sea names. French text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with gilt highlights on paper with a bunch of grapes watermark, some small spots along the centerfold, an archivally repaired centerfold separation at bottom, and marginal soiling.