A very attractive and finely engraved late 16th century map of Portugal which appeared in Ptolemy’s Geographia edited by Giovanni Magini (c.1598).
Giovanni Antonio Magini (1555-1617) was a prominent astronomer, astrologer, mathematician and cartographer. Born in Padua, he studied at the University of Bologna where he was eventually chosen in favour of Galileo to hold the position of chair of mathematics. In 1596, having written works on astronomy, he turned to cartography, editing a version of Ptolemy’s Geographia which included additional modern maps. The maps were beautifully engraved with fine italic script by Girolanio Porro (fl. 1567-1596), a distinguished Venetian engraver of the period; Indeed, the Magini and Porro maps, despite their geographic shortcomings, epitomised the high quality of Italian renaissance map making.
Magini’s reputation as a map maker was further enhanced when he became the first Italian to prepare an atlas of his native country which was printed three years after his death in 1620.
- This is an original copperplate engraving.
- Printed area (map only) is approximately 17.5cms by 13cms; printed area (including text) 17.5cms by 25.5cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent borders. Click on image for a better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 400 years old.
