C.Ptolemy / N.Germanus

Tertia Europe Tabvla

      Ptolemaic France, Rome, 1478 -1508, copperplate, Uncoloured. 43 x 38.5cms [17 x 15.25ins] An early, rare, printed map of France, based on the manuscripts of Nicholas Germanus, from the "Rome Ptolemy". These maps were prepared in Rome to accompany the "Geographia". Published by Domitius Caldernius and printed by Conrad Schweynhem, the work was continued after their deaths by Arnold Buckink with the subsequent editions of 1490, 1507 and 1508. The quality of printing of this particular map would imply that it is an early edition and is printed on good, strong paper with a visible watermark. Ptolemaic France is shown with rivers prominent and traversed by an exaggerated mountain range linking the Pyrenees with the Alps, and shows clearly the major rivers. A fascinating and rare item. Expert central repair with a little loss.