Portugalliae.
11 ¼ x 19 ¾ inches, Superb original color; some wear at centerfold, replacement to bottom corners with no loss, else excellent.
A beautiful, original color example of Gerard and Cornelis De Jode’s rare map of Portugal. The map – superbly engraved by Jan and Lucas Doetecum – combines rich detail inland with entertaining decorative flourishes at sea: four monsters, five ships and an elegant compass rose.
As beautiful as their cartographic product was, the De Jodes were no match for their highly successful competitor Ortelius. His Theatrum Orbis Terrarum would be produced in forty-two editions, and he was able to enjoy a license and monopoly for his atlas, whereas De Jode’s efforts to secure a license were fruitless for many years. There were but two editions of the De Jode atlas; consequently all of the maps that appeared in Gerard and Cornelis’ Speculum Orbis Terrarum are now quite rare.
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