Tabula Asiae VII

Ruscelli’s map covers parts of Russia and Asia including the territories between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. This map spans a vast stretch of this portion of Asia, from Iran and Pakistan, up through Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to Kazakhstan and beyond.

The map names many of the ancient kingdoms of this vast region, such as the Scythians, Bactrians, and other ancient peoples. The region was crisscrossed by many trade routes which comprised the ancient and famed Silk Route, parts of which have been in use since at least the 2^nd century BCE.  Ruscelli positioned the famed ‘Stone Tower’ on the Route to the far east of the map, in a forested area close to mountains. The Tower was an important stopping point for travelers, where they could rest, take on supplies, and reach a decision as to how to continue their journey. The precise location is thought to be in the foothills of the Pamirs, rather confirming Ruscelli’s depiction of it.

Many extensive mountain ranges are shown and complex major river systems are depicted. The southeast corner of the map includes part of India and the source of the Ganges River. The Indus River system is also delineated.  Italian text on the verso describes the region and the peoples inhabiting it.

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.