Africa Nuova Tavola

Early map of South Africa. It is based on the work of Ptolemy and depicts the southern half of Africa, covering from 10°N latitude to 40° S latitude and the entire southern part of the continent from the Arabian Gulf in the northeast to the Del Campo River on the western coast.

The depiction of the headwaters of the Nile conforms to Ptolemaic concept, and a number of other river systems are noted. Madagascar is called Isola de S. Lorenzo and is oddly shaped. Ocean waters are stippled. 

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.

Etching and engraving with fine later hand colour, in good condition.

Bibliografia

Norwich, Africa, map 151.