Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 278

Early Map of Brazil

"Brasil Nuova Tavola", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: Brazil

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo Alessandrino...

Color: Black & White

Size:
10 x 7 inches
25.4 x 17.8 cm
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An early copper engraved map of the region and one of the earliest available to collectors. Though most of the maps in Ruscelli's edition of Ptolemy are enlarged re-engravings of those found in the Gastaldi edition of 1548, there are four important, original maps including this one of Brazil. The map is oriented with north to the right. There are some coastal place names, but very little interior detail, scattered rivers, mountains, forests and a large volcano. The interior is labeled Terra non Descoperta and features an illustration of cannibals roasting a leg with notation "Gli indi natij di questi paesi mangiano carne humana" (Indians of these countries eat human meat). Italian text on verso.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #227-65.

Condition: A

A dark impression on a clean sheet.

Estimate: $325 - $400

Sold for: $240

Closed on 6/9/2021

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