This little map is a fine example of the medieval world concept expressed in a simple circular diagram containing the three known continents. The circle represents the boundary of the world with east oriented at the top. The 'T' is formed by the perpendicular axis representing the Mediterranean Sea and the horizontal line being the meridian running from the Don to the Nile. Asia fills the top with Europe at left and Africa at right. To the left of the map is another diagram showing the climatic zones of the world. These are surrounded by a boldly engraved floral border. On a trimmed sheet of Italian text. Giacomo Filippo Foresti, also know as Jacobus Philippus Foresti da Bergamo or Burgomensis (1434-1520), was an important historian and biblical scholar of the incunabula period. This woodcut appears in eight issues of Foresti's work between 1503-1553.

See also lot 690 for Geoffrey King's Miniature Antique Maps that describes this map.

References: King (3rd ed.) #1472; Shirley, Plate 2.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a bright sheet with light foxing. There are professional repairs to several short tears and minute holes in the image. The sheet was trimmed at top and bottom to accommodate framing.