1598 Gades ab Occiduis Insulae Partibus. Cadiz from the Western Side of the Island.
By: Georg Hoefnagel, published by Braun and Hogenberg
Date: 1598 (circa) Cologne
Dimensions: 14.5 x 19 inches (38 x 48 cm)
This fascinating map features the ancient city of Cadiz as seen from the western region of the island. Drawn by Flemish artist and cartographer Joris (Georg) Hoefnagel, the work is one of many of his works used in the creation of Braun and Hogenberg’s monumental work Great Cities of the World.
The view is focused on the chapel of San Sebastian in the foreground with the city and its environs as backdrop. Founded by the seagoing Phoenicians in the seventh century BCE, Cadiz is one of the oldest permanent settlements to be organized in or near the Mediterranean Sea, and an area in the map depicted near the numbers 14 and 17 contains ruins from the city’s ancient past, with 17 being labeled in the legend as Ruinas de Cadiz antiqua.
On the verso Braun enthusiastically describes in Latin how the inhabitants of the island of Cadiz are especially talented fishermen, as is evidenced by the circular enclosure of stones which was built to entrap fish. Within the trap is featured a man grasping a large fish with his bare hands as another holding a bag looks on. A third is shown walking with a net on the small strip of land depicted in the centre of the ingenious enclosure.
Seafaring vessels of various kinds are depicted, some at sea with others apparently moored. Fishermen are depicted casting their lines from along the shore. Near the chapel a priest reaches out to welcome someone – perhaps a pilgrim from the attire.
The lower portion of the map is enclosed in a strapwork cartouche. The left features an inset depicting crews as they are being enlisted for galley service by using the casting of lots, with others already being accompanied toward waiting ships. Atop this scene is a ‘leopard dog’ brought back from an expedition to the West Indies in 1565.
Featured within the cartouche in the lower right is a bastion fortified by cannonry, signifying the military importance of the city. Near the bastion are pictured several locals appearing to be bartering their goods with merchants. The lower centre is dedicated to Hercules, the legendary founder of the city, who is portrayed as capable of dealing with not one but two Nemean lions simultaneously.
Just below Hercules is a legend with landmarks named and numbered to match their places in the scene. At the top centre beneath the title is depicted a Peruvian pica brought back in 1578. The map provides a fascinating study of this important port which occupies a strategic location between two busy flows of maritime traffic along both the America-Mediterranean as well as the Europe-Africa flow. Thus the ancient city is often known as the southern gateway to the 'old continent'. Columbus often used the port for launching his voyages.
Condition: This map on beautiful, hand laid paper is in B+ condition. Cut to the neat line at the sides, with places of faded areas in the border.
Inventory #12860
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 – 3622