Catalog Archive
Auction 203, Lot 593

"Siciliae Antiquae Descriptio", Cluver, Philipp

Subject: Sicily, Italy

Period: 1729 (published)

Publication: Introductionis in Universam Geographiam

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.6 x 10.3 inches
32 x 26.2 cm
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Appealing map of ancient Sicily based largely on Gastaldi and classical sources. Aetna and Isola Vulcano are shown erupting. The map is embellished with two sailing vessels and a large figurative title cartouche featuring Mercury, several putti, and a bountiful cornucopia.

Cluver's Introductio in Universam Geographicam was a popular atlas, appearing in over 45 editions during a 100-year period. The first edition was published without maps in the 1620s, and the first edition to include maps was published circa 1641. The various editions were published in different cities throughout Europe, including Amsterdam, Nuremberg, and London, often with new sets of maps engraved. This map is from an edition published in Amsterdam by Joannem Pauli with maps by Jan Wolters.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.CLUV-8b.

Condition: A

A dark impression, issued folding on a sheet with a large watermark of the Amsterdam arms. There is a small stain below the map at right and a binding trim at right has been professionally replaced with old paper.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 4/23/2025

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