Title of the map:

"ORBIS DESCRIPTIO"

Unusual antique copper engraved world map, by Girolamo RUSCELLI, 16th century. 

This is the first double-hemisphere world map to appear in an atlas form. It is engraved in the characteristic Italian style, adapted from the oval projection used by Gastaldi's Ptolemaic atlas of 1548, and presented on what is known as Roger Bacon's circular projection. This projection was popularized by Ruscelli, also used for Tramezzino's large world map of 1554,  and later by Rumold Mercator. At one time it was thought that the printer Vincenzo Valgrisis was responsible for the engraving , but is now thought more likely on stylistic grounds that it is carried out by the brothers Giulio and Livio Sanuto. 

Ruscelli's double hemisphere map is edited in 1561. It was reprinted in the subsequent editions of his work in 1562, 1564 and 1574.

Nearly 25 years later, the plate was amended by the addition of a southern continent and the two editions by Rosaccio in 1598 and 1599 contain the state 2 in company with Rosaccio's own world map. At least another Venetian geographical work, Lorenzo d'Anania's L'universale Fabrica del Mondo, made use of Ruscelli's plate, state 1.

This is the first state issue of the map. 

(ref. Shirley, 110)

Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was an Italian cartographer, humanist and writer. His most famous work is his translation of Ptolemy's Geographia, which was published after his death. He was one of the great humanists of 16th century Italy, publishing a number of works on a variety of topics including Italian poetry, history, militaria. Ruscelli also founded what was supposedly the first-ever scientific society, the Accademia Segreta, in Naples, which existed between 1542 and 1547. 

Size with margins : 30 x 21,5 cm / 11,8 x 8,2 inches

Condition : good condition, a very small hole in top margin.

Edition : Venice, 1561, first state, 16th century.

WE DON'T SELL LASER AND COPIES MAPS, ALL WE SELL IS ORIGINAL AND ANTIQUE

Due to the age an type of paper, some imperfections are to be expected. Please examine the images provided carefully, and if you have any questions please ask and we will be happy to help you

If you buy more than one item, you have to pay just one only shipping cost. We will send your item by Registered and Insured Airmail or by DHL with covering insurance. Customs may be charged on international shipments. All customs charges are the responsiblity of the buyer and are not included in the selling price.

A Certification of Authenticity can be issued on request.

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