Isola Cuba Nova

Very early map of Cuba, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and part of Hispaniola, from Ruscelli’s edition of Ptolemy’s geography. The larger scale, stippled ocean, delicate engraving and precise lettering all distinguish this Ruscelli edition of the map from its source, the rare 1548 Gastaldi map of the same title. The content of Ruscelli’s map is predominantly faithful to Gastaldi’s, though it contains several alterations of place names, for example Gastaldi’s IAMAYEA is corrected to IAMAYCA.

Although the overall shape and orientation of the island are not entirely correct, many details are topographically accurate. Trinidad is in its place on the southern shore, and the island’s mountainous topography is carefully delineated. Many cities are named and myriad small islands surrounding Cuba are depicted. Jamaica is in the lower centre, and the Cayman islands are quite well defined, including nomenclature and topographical features. 

Map taken from Geographia di Claudio Tolomeo edited by Girolamo Ruscelli, published in Venice in several editions between 1561 and 1598. The maps is based on the Geografia by Giacomo Gastaldi (1548), who prob

Etching with engraving, about 1561. Magnificent proof, printed on contemporary laid paper, with margins, in perfect condition. Example in wonderful contemporary coloring.

Map taken from Geographia di Claudio Tolomeo edited by Girolamo Ruscelli, published in Venice in several editions between 1561 and 1598. The maps is based on the Geografia by Giacomo Gastaldi (1548), who probably also personally drew these maps, which were engraved by the brothers Livio and Giulio Sanuto.

The peculiarity of these maps is that they are engraved two for plate and subsequently cut; this is why the copper sign only appears on three sides of the map. Ruscelli's text and his maps are considered to be the best modern atlas up to the first version of Abraham Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570).

Only their widespread diffusion prevents a sustained evaluation in the antiquarian market. In fact, the work had a first edition in 1561, printed by Vincenzo Valgrisi who also edited the 1562 reprint. There are three editions signed by Giordano Ziletti (two in 1564 and one in 1574), while in 1597 it was published by the Calignani brothers. All these editions contain 64 plates. In 1598 and 1599 the two editions edited by Giuseppe Rosaccio and printed by the heirs of Melchior Sessa came to light. These last two editions include 69 plates; in fact, Rosaccio's map of the planisphere and continents has been added.

Example of Ruscelli’s maps in contemporary coloring are absolutely rare.

Bibliografia

* Kapp, Capt. Kit S., in MCC #24 The Printed Maps of Jamaica, #2.