Carta Marina Nuova Tavola

Reference: s27233
Author Girolamo RUSCELLI
Year: 1561 ca.
Zone: The World
Printed: Venice
Measures: 270 x 200 mm
€1,000.00

Reference: s27233
Author Girolamo RUSCELLI
Year: 1561 ca.
Zone: The World
Printed: Venice
Measures: 270 x 200 mm
€1,000.00

Description

Nice example of Ruscelli’s Carta Marina, based upon Gastaldi’s map of 1548. Gastaldi's Carta Marina includes the earliest obtainable depictions of the California peninsula, is the earliest obtainable copperplate world map for collectors. Includes Gastaldi's belief in a continuous northern landmass, the isthmus reported by Verrazano in 1524, which closes the northern continents into as unbroken ring.

The Asia-America connection was a standard concept, and one of which Gastaldi actively advocated. The joining of North America and Europe is unusual, resulting from two errors. In the east, Gastaldi depicts Greenland as an outgrowth of Scandinavia, based upon Waldseemuller. In the west, Gastaldi follows Verrazano’s model of North America. On the Atlantic coast by Gastaldi notes a green mountain and a large, unnamed cape pointing upwards. This cape, based upon Ramusio’s' map of 1534, first appeared in Ribero’s manuscript chart of 1529, as well as later works, such as Jode’s North America. The cape is believed to be Cape Cod, as both the Ribero and Ramusio maps reflect the reconnaissance along the New England coast by Estavao Gomes, who is believed to have coasted the region. The writing’s of Marco Polo are evident in Asia, with modern corrections.

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, in good condition.

Literature

R. W. Shirley, "The Mapping of the world", 111

Girolamo RUSCELLI (Viterbo 1504 – Venezia 1566)

Ruscelli was editor of a revised and expanded edition of Ptolemy’s Geographia which was issued in Venice several times between 1561 and the end of the century. The newly engraved maps were based, generally, on those compiled by Giacomo Gastaldi for the Venice edition of 1548.

Literature

R. W. Shirley, "The Mapping of the world", 111

Girolamo RUSCELLI (Viterbo 1504 – Venezia 1566)

Ruscelli was editor of a revised and expanded edition of Ptolemy’s Geographia which was issued in Venice several times between 1561 and the end of the century. The newly engraved maps were based, generally, on those compiled by Giacomo Gastaldi for the Venice edition of 1548.