Europae Tabula V

Nice example of Ruscelli's map of Italy and the Balkans. Based on the work of Ptolemy, it depicts Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica along with territories in southern Europe adjacent to Italy and the Adriatic Sea. In addition, it extends into Germany, depicts the Balkans and Carpathians, and goes as far as Macedonia in the south. Cities are marked with miniature vignettes whose elaborateness or lack of it serves to convey the size and importance of each city. Both cities and regions are rendered in Latin on the recto.

The map is fascinating in its depiction of the area, with much topographical detail, including mountain ranges and river systems. carefully delineated. Islands in the Adriatic are also denoted and named. The shape of Italy, specifically the curvature of its boot shape, differs significantly from other maps of the day.

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.