This is a foundation map in the cartography of the American Southwest, and a must for collectors of that region. It is an enlarged version of Gastaldi's map of 1548 with the only notable change being the peninsular Yucatan. The legendary seven cities of Ciuola are prominently depicted, and Mexico City is shown floating in a large lake. The place names along the upper Gulf Coast reveal the explorations of Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca, and Moscosso. The Mississippi makes its appearance as the R: de Spirito Santo, and the R. Tontonteanc flows in the vicinity of the Colorado River. The map is considered the earliest relatively obtainable map of Mexico and the American Southwest. This is the first state of the map according to Burden with the plate mark running off the top of the page. Published in 1561 or 1564, printed by in Venice by Vincenzo Valgrisi. Italian text on verso.

References: Burden #31; Martin & Martin, plt. 3; Wheat (TMW) #7; Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #216-60; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.PTOL-10a.

Condition: B+

On paper with an anchor watermark. There is light toning along the centerfold, a few minor spots, and a very short wormtrack in an unengraved area near the top of the map.