Exceptionally scarce and beautiful woodcut map of North-Western Africa with the region of Mauritania. 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:
Landtaffel Africe.
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 Polybios, printed by Sebastian Henricpetri, 1574. The type of illustration is based on the model of Ptolemy's maps and shows the area of North Africa with the region of Mauritania. Realized are furthermore the Mediterranian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar and a small part of Spain. Decorating elements are the cordilleras, rivers and cities as well as a maritime illustration. The woodcut shows an integrated information box with the text, Beschreibung des Landts Mauretanien. Verso historical information about the Punic Wars.
SIZE:
leaf about: w 40,6 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
- print loss in centerfold and restaurations in the centerfold
