Nova & accurata Tusciae Antiqua Descriptio
Amsterdam: Jansson, 1662.
Map. Engraving with beautiful hand coloring. Image measures 13 1/2" x 19"
A finely engraved and highly decorative map of ancient Tuscany (Tuscia), depicting the region as understood in the Roman period. Based on Ortelius's influential reconstruction of classical geography, the map traces Roman roads, rivers, and settlements across central Italy, encompassing modern Tuscany and parts of Lazio and Umbria. Prominent Etruscan centers such as Tarquinia and Volterra appear alongside key Roman sites including Florentia (Florence) and Pisae (Pisa), illustrating the region's transition from Etruscan heartland to integral province of the Roman Empire. Cities, rivers, and lakes are labeled, with ancient place names and sources listed. Mountains beautifully rendered pictorially. Decorative features include an ornate strapwork title cartouche and finely engraved sailing ships in the surrounding waters. In very good condition, with wide margins as issued. Minor chips to corners.
Published in Jan Jansson's historical atlas, based on an earlier map by Abraham Ortelius. Engraved by Peter van der Keere (Petrus Kaerius).
Jan Jansson was part of a influential family of map publishers from the Netherlands throughout the 17th century and beyond. They were based in Arnhem then in Amsterdam. They were printers, publishers and booksellers. Major publications were under the joint ownership of the Jansson heirs and their printing empire.
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) was a prominent Flemish cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer, renowned for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum", which first appeared in 1570 and expanded over time to include 134 maps by 1592. Born in Antwerp, he began his career as a map colorist and became a significant figure in cartography after being influenced by Gerard Mercator. His work was pivotal in the development of modern cartography, integrating maps from various sources and reflecting his advanced geographical theories, including early thoughts on continental drift. Appointed Royal Cartographer to King Philip II of Spain in 1575, Ortelius had access to extensive Spanish geographical knowledge. Despite the religious and political turmoil of his time, he maintained a position of relative neutrality, focusing on his scholarly and cartographic pursuits. His influential works also included "Synonymia Geographica", "Nomenclator Ptolemaicus", and "Parergon."
Illustrator: Petrus Kaerius
Binding: Framed
Language: Latin
Price: $675.00
Item #336123