SELECTED MAPS FROM THE WORLD'S FIRST MODERN ATLAS
(Click on thumbnails for a larger image)
SELECTED MAPS FROM THE WORLD'S FIRST MODERN ATLAS
(Click on thumbnails for a larger image)
The 1513 Strassburg edition of Ptolemy's "Geographia" is generally considered to be one of the true landmarks in the history of cartography. Printed by Johannes Schottus, with the maps attributed to Martin Waldseemueller, this atlas contained the traditional twenty-seven maps of the famous Second Century geographer, Ptolemy, plus twenty-one "modern" maps reflecting updated information in the fast-developing Age of Discovery. According to L.C. Wroth, former director of the John Carter Brown Library collection, the 1513 Strassburg atlas was "the most complete and detailed portrayal of the earth's surface which had yet appeared in print."
These maps are woodcuts of extraordinary clarity on paper in excellent condition. Each map was hand-colored at the time of publication. The greens, blues, reds and browns of terrain features and marginal decoration have been augmented with gold highlights on all mountain ranges. These maps are most unusual, not only for their rarity, but for their commendable state of preservation and their beauty of execution.
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 1.
Italy - "modern version" in original color. This
stunning map has been matted and framed. 15-¾" x 21" Wood
cut in original hand color.
SOLD |
 2.
Greece - "modern version" in original color. Matted and
framed. 16" x 21" Wood cut in original hand color.
SOLD |
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 3.
(Algeria, Tunisia, Libya) Tabula Secunda Africae. The
Ptolemaic version of central North Africa , including present-day Algeria,
Tunisia and Libya, as far south as the Atlas Mountain chain. 13-½"
x 21". Original Color. SOLD. |
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here for more maps of Africa |
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 4.
(Turkey) Tabula Prima Asie. Ptolemaic version of Turkey,
reflecting placenames used in 130 A.D. A very sharp impression. 15" x
21-1/2". Original color. SOLD. |
 5.
(Black Sea/Ukraine) Secunda Asiae Tabula. This is
a Ptolemaic version of the Black Sea, Ukraine and Southern Russia areas
extending to the Caspian Sea. The Crimean Penninsula is shown, lower
left, and the Russian Territory extending eastward to the Caspian Sea.
The mountainous areas in the northwest show the Altars of Alexander and
Caesar, as well as the Columns of Alexander vicinity present-day Grozneyy.
The passes through the Caucasus Mountain chain are quaintly represented
as city gates. 15-½" x 20". The condition of the map is exceptionally
fine with no tears or stains. Original Color. SOLD. |
 6.
(Turkmeniya) Septima Asiae Tabula. This is a Ptolemaic representation
of the extremly mountinous region east and northeast of the Caspian Sea.
The dense mountains are further a barrirer due to thick forests in the
Kush area of Afghanistan. There are two large islands named "Helades"
and "Talm" erroneously placed in the Caspian Sea. The Sea of Azov is represented
as a large lake and numerous river tributaries. This is an extremly strong
woodcut impression. The original colors are bright and fresh. 14" x 21½".
The condition of the paper is fine, with the exception of a tiny amount
of paper loss along the upper centerfold. This has been repaired and does
not detract from the over all beauty of the map. SOLD. |
7. (Pakistan) Nona Asie Tabula. Ptolemaic
map covering the area of Pakistan. Very colorful map, with
much mountain and river detail. 16" x 19-1/2". Original Color.
SOLD. |
 8.
(India) Decima Asiae Tabula. India west of the Ganges River
in Ptolemy's time. Considerable detail of river systems and mountain
ranges. 14-½" x 22-½". Original Color. SOLD. |
SOLD |
| Click here for more maps of Asia |
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