1579 Cremae Diotionis Descriptio Agricremonensis Typus
By: Abraham Ortelius
Date: 1579 (dated) Antwerp
Dimensions: 13.5 x 19.5 inches (34.3 cm x 50 cm)
This breathtaking authentic, antique hand-colored map was published by Abraham Ortelius and based on an earlier map by Antonius Campus, dated 1571.
The map depicts Cremona and adjacent territories in the late 16th century. This map is a must-have for any lover of violins and the music made on them, for it features the home territory of the greatest violin makers in history, Amati, Stradivarius, Guarneri and Bergonzi, some of whom were already making instruments at the time this map was published. The 1566 Amati Carlo IX violin was already 13 years old by the time this map was available.
A large inset in an elaborate and colorful cartouche depicts the town and commune of Crema, which is in the province of Cremona. The wondrous cartouche/inset starts left of the upper middle and fills the upper right quadrant and includes peacocks with their rich symbolism, a nude reminiscent of one of Cranach’s works of the Virgin, and a knight in armor holding a caduceus.
Three additional cartouches at the bottom include a fanciful scale to the map. A visually striking map with a lovely, classical-style, border. Latin text on the verso
Condition: This map is in B condition with full margins and slight toning on the margins. Archival tape has been used on the centerfold on the verso.
Inventory #10482
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