1574 Descrittione Del L'Isola DI Nicsia
DESCRIPTION
One of the earliest obtainable printed maps devoted specifically to the Greek island of Naxos, this finely engraved sixteenth-century view captures the island at a time when the Aegean stood at the crossroads of Venetian and Ottoman power.
Published in Venice in 1576, this map of Naxos, here identified as “Nicsia,” appeared in Tommaso Porcacchi's celebrated L'Isole più Famose del Mondo (The Most Famous Islands of the World), with the maps engraved by Girolamo Porro. First published in 1572 and expanded in subsequent editions, Porcacchi's isolario, or “book of islands,” combined maps with historical and geographical descriptions of important islands throughout the known world. The finely engraved copperplates represented an important advancement over the comparatively crude woodcut maps that characterized many earlier island books.
The map depicts mountainous Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, surrounded by the Aegean Sea and populated with numerous towns, settlements, and buildings. Ships and sea creatures animate the surrounding waters, while a decorative compass rose and elaborate title cartouche complete the composition. Particularly attractive in old hand color, the map remains on its original text leaf, with Porcacchi's accompanying Italian description printed above and below the engraving and continuing on the verso.
CONDITION
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