Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 436

"Siciliae Descriptio", Ortelius/Marchetti

Subject: Sicily, Italy

Period: 1667 (circa)

Publication: Il Theatro del Mondo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4 x 2.9 inches
10.2 x 7.4 cm
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This great little miniature map shows rivers, lakes, and many towns on the island of Sicily. The stipple sea is adorned with a sailing ship, a galley, a sea monster, and an erupting volcano. Pietro Maria Marchetti produced the second pocket atlas based on Abraham Ortelius' folio Theatrum. It is often referred to as the plagiarized version of the Epitome. The copper plates are closely copied from those of Philip Galle's 1593 Italian edition. Italian text on verso.

References: King (2nd ed.) pp. 78-79.

Condition: A

There is a tear at left that just enters the map image that has been repaired with old paper in the margin on recto.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $120

Closed on 6/9/2021

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