Bernardus Venetus de Vitalibus

Secunda Africa Tabula [Shows Malta, Sicily & Sardinia]

      Rare map of part of the Southern Mediterranean and North Africa, from the 1507 Rome Ptolemy, one ofthe legendary cartographic rarities. In 1507 and 1508, Bernardus Venetus de Vitalibus published editions of Ptolemy's Geography in Rome. It included not only the theretofore traditional 27 maps, but seven additional maps based on contemporary information. These are the first editions to include a world map showing the discoveries of the New World (by Johann Ruysch). The present map is printed on two sheets, and extends from Sardinia, Sicily, the Mediterranean and Adriatic in the North to North Africa. Includes excellent detail, based upon Ptolemy, including the marginal notes which are only present in the earliest editions. Melita is named on the Island of Malta, with Iunonis Templum noted in the neighboring island to the east. A nice example, with a bit of misfolding at the coenterfold and and minor offsetting, but overall an excellent example of this legendary rarity. With the exception of the Ruysch World Map offered for $240,000 in 2001, no map from this atlas has appeared in a dealer catalogue since 1995. An essential map for collectors. (Rome, 1507) [color: Uncolored, size: 21 x 14 inches, condition: VG]