Creta insula hodie Cadia in medio ponto sita est millaria connet circu circa 558 porrigitur...; [Crete with a large labyrinth]

Rome: Antonio Lafreri, 1602. Map. Engraving, sheet measures 16 x 11 1/4 inches. Image 10 7/8 x 8 inches.<br/> <br/> Gorgeous map of Crete/Candia, the largest of the Greek islands, with north oriented towards the left. A large labyrinth is rendered prominently along with major towns, rivers and topography. 'Habitat of the beast' is noted possibly referring to the Minotaur. Paximadia is described as one island. Geographical notes in the title as well as the mention of fine wine produced from the ancient Malagousia grape. Foxing, toning, stains, printers crease, left margin repair, title in manuscript. Giovanni Orlandi, (1590-1640), was an engraver and publisher based in Rome. He inherited some of Claudio Duchetti's stock and re-issued it. Duchetti was the nephew Antonio Lafreri, the world renowned map maker, an engraver, publisher, printer, and map and print seller active in Rome. A wonderful rarity from the 'Lafreri school'. BnF notes a Duchetti version of this map from 1570. LOC notes one issued by Lafreri in 1575. No other copies of the Orlandi edition are known.<br/> <br/>