Italiae Novissima Descriptio Auctore Jacobo Cataldo Pedemontano

Antwerp: Ortelius, Abraham, 1573. framed. Map. Color engraving. Image measures 14 3/8" x 19.75". In gilt frame with empire French matting 23 x 28 1/2 inches.<br/> <br/> Gorgeous 16th century map of Italy. Elevations are beautifully colored and major towns are noted in red. Part of the Balkans, Corsica and northern Sardinia are included along with part of Switzerland. Monaco is noted to the West. It was Ortelius's first map of Italy, with a depiction of Neptune embracing and kissing a Neirid (merwoman). A Sphinx perches atop the distance scale cartouche. Seven ships complete the composition. Some foxing and toning but otherwise a beautiful example of this uncommon edition. Abraham Ortelius (1527--1598), started his career as a Flemish map colorist, eventually becoming a publisher, cartographer and geographer. He widely regarded as one of the important and influential cartographers in history. He is known for his "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," which was the first modern atlas. Van den Broecke 118.<br/> <br/>