Itala nam tellus Graecia Maior erat Ovid. IV. Fastor. Haec Italiae pars nunc primum de prica aerugine est abstersa et...

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Original antique hand-colored copper engraving, from Joan Janssonius's great 'Novus Atlas', published in Amsterdam, 1649. Depicting Italy, this map is a fine example of 1640s European cartography. Image: 380 by 510mm (15 by 20 inches). An attractive and historically significant 17th-century map for the discerning collector. Johannes Janssonius (1588–1664), also known as Jan Jansson, was one of Amsterdam's most prolific cartographers and publishers of the Dutch Golden Age. His great 'Novus Atlas' (later expanded into the 'Atlas Maior') rivalled the output of the Blaeu firm and contained hundreds of maps covering the entire known world. Janssonius worked closely with Henricus Hondius and acquired many of the Mercator-Hondius plates, ensuring continuity with the finest cartographic tradition of the 16th century. His maps are distinguished by fine engraving, elaborate allegorical cartouches, and high-quality hand coloring. They are held in institutions worldwide, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Library of Congress. Interesting map of Magna Grecia with decorative scroll above. Published in "Accurate Orbis antiqui Delineatio", the historical Atlas, edited by Hornius and inserted by Janssonius as Volume VI of his "Atlas Novus". A fine example from Novus Atlas / Atlas Maior, Amsterdam, sought after by collectors of antique maps of Italy, antique maps of Italy, and antique hand-colored copper engravings for sale. In good condition consistent with age. Light age-toning to the sheet, as expected for a 17th-century engraving. Centerfold as published.

Jansonnius, Joan. – Italy · Copper Engraving, Hand Colored · Novus Atlas / Atlas Maior, Amsterdam · 1649