"Gallia Narbonens [on sheet with] Sabaudiae Ducat. Auctore Aegidio Bulionio Belgae [and] Venuxini Comitatus Nova Descr. Auctore Stephano Ghebellino", Ortelius, Abraham

At right is an early map of Comtat Venaissin, which was prepared by Stefano Ghebellini for Ortelius in 1574. It focuses on the Rhone River valley and Avignon, which were at the time a Papal enclave. The Comtat is one of the richest wine regions in France and several important Chateaus are located on the map including Châteauneuf-du-Pape. At top left is a map of Gallia Narbonensis, a Roman province also known as Provincia Nostra (our province), which gave the region its name of Provence. The map extends from Narbonne to Marseille, noting important Roman sites such as the Pont du Gard. At bottom left is a map of the Savoy region based on a two-sheet map by Gilles Boileau de Bouillon. The map encompasses the region between Lyon, France and Turin, Italy, incorporating most of Switzerland. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #49.

Condition: A

A dark impression on a bright sheet with the horn coat of arms watermark commonly found on Ortelius maps. There is light printer's ink residue, one tiny hole in the map at top left, and a short centerfold separation at bottom that has been archivally repaired.