Spain - Mallorca and Menorca; P

P. Bertius, Descriptio Maioricae et Minoricae. Amsterdam, B. Langenes/ P. Bertius, 1603. A stunning and highly scarce copper-engraved miniature map of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Menorca), published in Amsterdam in 1603. This historic map originates from the early Latin edition of the celebrated pocket atlas Caert Thresoor, published by Barent Langenes with textual revisions by the renowned cartographer Petrus Bertius. What makes this piece exceptional is its beautiful, original hand-colouring. Because early 17th-century pocket atlases were almost exclusively issued in black and white, examples featuring period-original colour are rare and highly sought after. The cartography is masterfully detailed, likely engraved by the finest craftsmen of the era, such as Pieter van den Keere or Jodocus Hondius. Despite its compact format, the map showcases cities, ports, coastlines, and topography with remarkable precision. The reverse side features the original 1603 Latin text. In Original colour, rare! Dimensions: 8,5 x 12,5 cm (engraving), 11 x 17,5 cm (paper). Good condition, a few small spots in the white margin.

Estimate:£167.27

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