1676 Italia Newly augmented by I. Speed...
Italia Newly augmented by I. Speed and Are to bee Sold by Tho. Bassett in Fleet Street and Richard Chiswell in St. Puals Church-yard
By: John Speed
Date: 1676 (published) London
Dimensions: 15.5 x 20.5 inches (39.4 x 52 cm)
Original uncolored example of John Speed's decorative map of Italy from the 1676 publication of "Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World.."
This is arguably one of the most ornate maps of the Italian peninsula to come our of any English map making company. The country is divided by region and with hundreds of place names within, and surrounded by sailing ships and and sea creatures emulating the works of Speed's contemporaries of the 17th century.
Unlike the majority of Speed's maps that feature side panels with one carto-figure, this map includes pairs of people representing the various Italian regions including the Milanians, Romaines, Florentians, and Venetians to name a few. Also included are depictions of the Duke of Venice and the Pope as well as the coat of arms of Sardinia, Corsica, the Commonwealth of Venice, and the arms of the Pope. Atop the map are bird's eye views of Verona, Naples, Venice, Rome, Genoa, and Florence.
A decorative title cartouche presides in the top right as does a scale of distance in Italian and Germanian Miles in the lower right. On the verso, one can read a 17th century, old English description of the geography of Italy.
Condition: Map is in B condition, uncolored as originally published with three tears that extend into the map. Two from the top about 2.5 inches and from the top left margin that just touches the neatline. All have been reinforced on the verso with archival materials.
Inventory #11515
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