Nova Descriptio Hispaniae

Copper engraving, mm 380 x 510, fine original color. Small repaired split in bottom centre fold, otherwise fine condition. A scarce map of Spain and Portugal, originally by the italian architect Pirro Ligorio (which name is reported at top), engraved by Johannes & Lucas van Doeticum for De Jode's 'Speculum Orbis Terrarum' decorated with seamonsters and galleons. Our example comes from the second edition of the 'Speculum', revised and enlarged by Gerard de Jode's son, Cornelius. Gerard De Jode was a competitor of Ortelius, active in the same period; but his atlas 'Speculum Orbis Terrarum' did not enjoy the same commercial success as Ortelius and now-a-days his maps are much rarer than Ortelius' ones.<BR>After the death of Gerard in 1591, the business was carried on by his widow and his son Cornelis, who re-issued the Speculum in 1593, most plates were newly engraved, and therefore making those of the first edition extremely rare. After his death in 1600 the printing plates were bought by Vrients, owner of Ortelius' plates, to stop their re-issue. Koeman, Atlantes Neerlandici, II, Jod 2, pag 211 <BR>