Orbis Descriptio - Antique Map from 1661

C1661

Orbis Descriptio

Mapmaker:

$A 1,250

An important early c.17th double hemisphere world map from the second edition of Girolamo Ruscelli’s, translation from Greek into Italian of Ptolemaeus (c.100-c.170) La Geografia, published in Venice by Giodano Ziletti 1564. The map is based on Gastaldi’s world map … Read Full Description

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S/N: JLIP-008-RLGDCT-WM-1561–526465

(CBD 02)

Categories: ANZAAB Melbourne Rare Book Fair List, WORLD, MAPS & GLOBES

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Details

Full Title:

Orbis Descriptio

Date:

C1661

Mapmaker:

Girolamo Ruscelli (1504 - 1566)

Condition:

In good condition, with centre fold as issued.

Technique:

Copper engraving.

Image Size:

255mm

x 180mm

Paper Size:

318mm

x 228mm

Genuine antique
dated:

1661

Description:

An important early c.17th double hemisphere world map from the second edition of Girolamo Ruscelli’s, translation from Greek into Italian of Ptolemaeus (c.100-c.170) La Geografia, published in Venice by Giodano Ziletti 1564.

The map is based on Gastaldi’s world map published in 1548. Ruscelli presents the map in two hemispheres, with the Americas to the left and Europe, Africa and Asia to the right. It is recognised as being the first double-hemisphere world map to appear in a printed atlas, introducing a format that became one of the most enduring conventions in the history of world cartography. It is presented on what is known as Roger Bacon’s circular projection, also used for Tramezzino’s large world map of 1554. No southern continent is shown and in the north he has marked the broad mass of land joining Asia and America as Terra Incognita and its coastline as Littus incognitum.

North America is shown with a greatly enlarged Terra Florida, while the north-western coastline extends towards Asia. South America is prominently delineated, with the Strait of Magellan named at its southern extremity. In the Eastern Hemisphere, Europe, Africa and Asia are densely engraved with geographical detail, while the East Indies are only schematically represented.

References:
Shirley, R. The Mapping of the World Early Printed World Maps 1472-1700. London 1987 :: 110, iil. Plate 94 (1561 edition).
Wagner, H.R. Cartography of the Northwest Coast of America to the Year 1800. Amsterdam 1968 :: 54.
Mickwitz & Miekkavaara, The A.E. Nordenskiold Collection of Maps up to 1800 Helsinki 1979-1995 :: pp. 26 and 94, pl. XLV(I).
Phillips, P. A List of Geographical Atlases in the Library of Congress. Washington 1973 :: 373.
Sabin, J. A Dictionary of Books Relating to America, from its Discovery to the Present Time. New York. (1936) 1967 :: 66504.

Collections:
Library of Congress Washington D.C.: LCCN 2004573062

Girolamo Ruscelli (1504 - 1566)

Girolamo Ruscelli was a prominent c.16th Italian polymath, mathematician, cartographer, and alchemist. Born in Viterbo and lived in various cities during his life including; Aquilea, Padua, Rome, Naples, and finally settled in Venice until his death.He wrote on a wide range of subjects and often worked on behalf of third parties, including a partnership with publisher Plinio Pietrasanta until 1555 when he was tried by the Inquisition for the unlicensed publication of a satirical poem. Most of his later works were published by Vincenzo Valgrisi. He wrote an immensely popular book on alchemy under the pseudonym Alessio Piemontese, published in 1555. The book, De Secreti Del Alessio Piemontese, included recipes for alchemical compounds, cosmetics, dyes, and medicines and was translated into numerous languages. Ruscelli's translations of various classics, including the Decameron and Orlando Furioso, were also popular. His translation of Ptolemy's, Geografia included 69 maps, 40 of which were contemporary and based on maps compiled by Giacomo Gastaldi in 1548. Ruscelli also compiled a Rimario (rhyming dictionary) that remained in use until the 19th century.

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