Untitled: Europe, Africa & Eastern Canada
1575. This is a scarce and rare map, identified as a work by the prominent Venetian publisher and engraver Giovanni Francesco Camocio (fl. 1558–1575), a key figure in the "Lafreri School" of cartography. It was published circa 1575 as a plate within his famous atlas Isole famose porti, fortezze, e terre maritime, printed in Venice by Libraria al segno di S. Marco (Donato Bertelli).This map is considered one of Camocio's last works published before the devastating plague of 1575 struck Venice. Map Details and Geography The map measures 17cm x 19.5cm and is an isolario plate, a genre focusing on detailed islands, ports, fortifications, and maritime territories, particularly those under Venetian influence or threatened by the Ottoman Empire. The highly detailed engraving showcases coasts, castles, and terrain with many finely etched place names. · Geographic Scope: The map depicts parts of Africa, Europe, and a small section of what is now Canada. · Terra de Bacalaos: The most western landmass on the map is labeled "Terra de Bacalaos" (Land of Codfish), referring to the rich fishing grounds of modern-day Newfoundland and Labrador in the Northwest Atlantic. · Mare Maggiore: The body of water referred to as "Mare Maugiore (Maggiore)" is an old Italian name for the Black Sea, meaning "Greater Sea." · Unique Labeling: The name AFRICA is unusually spelled out with letters following the supposed course of the Niger River. Cartographic Features and Symbolism The map is a primary source for understanding the 16th-century Mediterranean worldview, blending practical navigation with political and religious symbolism. · The Cartouche: An elaborate, empty decorative cartouche in the bottom left corner was intended for a specific title. The blank space, apart from an illegible manuscript note, suggests the detailed title may have been erased from the original copper plate. · Wind and Direction Indicators: A most unusual feature are the lines radiating from Venice, which represent cardinal and intercardinal directions indicated by letters at the map border. These letters indicate specific Mediterranean wind names. Political Context The map was produced during a period of intense conflict between Christian Europe (especially Venice and the Knights of Malta) and the Ottoman Turks. The detailed depiction of fortifications and the prominent Maltese Cross serve as subtle political statements celebrating Christian naval power and interests in the region. Camocio operated in Venice, the maritime gateway to the East, and the eight-pointed cross specifically symbolized the Knights of Malta (Order of Saint John), crucial allies to Venice. This map is a significant historical artifact, connecting practical navigation information with strong cultural, religious, and political symbolism relevant to the 16th-century Mediterranean world. Map with some stains and manuscript notes inside the empty cartouche. Trimmed up to the plate line at the top, two pieces of acid free mounting tape on back. Item #31994
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$2,500.00
R 46,745.40 (incl. VAT)
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