Orbis descriptio

Copper engraving, mm 190x260. <BR>This world map is included in Ruscelli's translation of Ptolemy's Geographia, printed by Vincenzo Valgrisi. It is a slightly enlarged version of the map which appeared in Gastaldi's edition of Ptolemy thirteen years earlier. The map is adapted from the oval projection used in Gastaldi's larger world map and is presented on Roger Bacon's circular projection, also used by Tramezzino's large world map of 1554. No southern continent is shown. The map clearly shows the broad mass of land joining Asia and America as Terra Incognita and the coastline as Littus Incognitum. At one time, it was believed that the printer was Valgrisi, but it is now believed that the brothers Guilio and Livio Sanuto were the source of the map. Subsequent editions appear in the 1562, 1564 and 1574 editions of Ruscelli's work. The map also appears in the 1582 edition of Lorenzo D'Anania's L'Universale Fabrica Del Mondo.<BR>First state: this map is one of two that were engraved on the same plate, printed and than separated for the book. This can be seen in the atlas by the fact that the plate mark of the map runs off the top of the page. Very good condition, dark impression, light paper discoloration at centerfold.<BR>Shirley, World 110<BR>