"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 from Secco to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is the first state. German text on verso, published 1572-73.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with minor soiling mostly confined to the margins.