Exceptionally scarce and beautiful woodcut map of the ancient Italy, Pannonia, Vindelicia and Germania. This coloured woodcut originates from the first German edition of Polybius' work 'The Histories'. The illustration is based on the map type of Ptolemy. Printed by Sebastian Henricpetri in Basel, 1574.
TITLE:
'Landttafel etlicher fürnemmer Länder.'
WORK:
'Römische Historien. Auß Griechischer sprach in die Teutsche gebracht durch W. Xylander ...'
AUTHOR:
Polybius (200 - 180 BC), Greek historian, whose most famous work 'The Histories' describes in detail the history of Rome in the period 264 - 146 BC.
PRINT:
Sebastian Henricpetri, Basel, 1574
DESCRIPTION:
Coloured woodcut from the first German edition of 'The Histories' by Polybius, printed by Sebastian Henricpetri, 1574. The type of illustration is based on the model of Ptolemy's maps and shows the area of Italy and the ancient regions of Pannonia, Vindelicia and Germania. There are furthermore illustrated the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the cordilleras of the Alps, important rivers and cities. A nice staffage and a small information box with the title 'Beschreibu[n]g aller fürnembster örter so inn der Grawbünder Landschafft...' are furthermore realized. Verso historical information about the Punic Wars.
SIZE:
leaf about: w 40,8 cm x h 32,5 cm
CONDITION:
- considering its age in remarkably good condition
- good paper quality, just minimal age toning and stains
- strong print
- in the middle part a light strip with minimal print loss
