Current Auction
Lot 3
Current Auction

"Orbis Descriptio", Ruscelli, Girolamo

Subject: World

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo Alessandrino...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10 x 6.3 inches
25.4 x 16 cm
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This important map is the first double-hemisphere world map to appear in atlas form. It is elegantly engraved in the characteristic Italian style, adapted from the oval projection used by Gastaldi, and presented on what is known as Roger Bacon's circular projection. This projection was popularized by Ruscelli and later by Rumold Mercator. Another important feature of the map is the apocryphal bulge in South America, one of the most copied cartographic errors of the 16th century. Terra Incognita is distinctly shown as a land bridge linking Asia and North America with its coastline labeled Littus incognitum. This is the second state with the addition of a huge Antarctic continent and a large New Guinea. Published by Guiseppe Rosaccio with Italian text on verso.

See also lot 714 for Rodney Shirley's The Mapping of the World - Early Printed World Maps 1472-1700 that describes this map.

References: Manasek #20; Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #227-29; Shirley #110.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with a 2" tear between the cusps that has been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $900 - $1,100

Current High Bid:
$0

Reserve: Reserve Not Met
Next Bid: $450

Bid Increments
$250 - $499$25
$500 - $999$50
$1,000 - $2,499$100
$2,500 - $4,999$250
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