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Description found in Archives

Title

Orbis descriptio. [cartographic material].

Arrangement structure

Show Arrangement Structure

Item (linked) part of

World maps [cartographic material] (R11981-1-8-E)

Date(s)

1574]

Place of creation

Italy

Publisher

Appresso Giordano Ziletti

Extent

1 map : hand col ; 2 hemispheres each 12.5 cm in diam., on sheet 22 x 32 cm..

Scope and content

This important map is the first double hemisphere world map to appear in atlas form. It is elegantly engraved in the characteristic Italian style, adapted from the oval projection used by Gastaldi, and presented on what is known as Roger Bacon's circular projection. This projection was popularized by Ruscelli and later by Rumold Mercator. Another important feature of the map is the apocryphal bulge in South America; one of the most copied cartographic errors of the 16th century. Terra Incognita is distinctly shown as a land bridge linking Asia and North America with its coastline labeled Littus incognitum. There is no southern continent

Conditions of access

Cartographic material
Microfiche NMC27665

90: Open

Item no. (creator)

Alexander E. MacDonald Canadiana Collection Item#18

Cartographic material

90: Open

Volume
18

90: Open

Archival reference no.

R11981-463-2-E

Other accession no.

80101/245 CA

Local class no.

H3/10000/[1574]

Terms of use

Creator / Provenance

Ruscelli, Girolamo.

Additional name(s)

Ptolemaeus, Claudius.
Malombra, Giovanni.

Additional information

In: Ptolemy: Geographia, Venice, 1574. Each, the second and the third parts of the atlas which contain no map, is dated 1573. This world map consists of two circular hemispheres, eastern and western. No details in Canada. The map was published first in the 1561 edition of Ptolemy in Venice. (Ph., 371). The 1574 edition was revised by Gio. Malombra. The folded map, on its back, carries a description of the world. The map appeared also in the 1562 Venice and 1564 Venice editions of Ptolemy. (Ph. 372 and 373). According to A.E. Nordenskiöld (Facsimile atlas, p. 26) the map was made orginally by Ruscelli.

The third edition of Ruscelli's translation of Ptolemy, revised and corrected by Gio. Malombra

Pictorial relief.

Double hemisphere map.

On verso: Text with title " Tavola Vniversal nvova con la Descrittione di Tvtto il Mondo".

Copperplate engraving.

From 1574 edition of Girolamo Ruscelli`s 'La Geografia di Claudio Tolomeo Alessandrino '. Girolamo Ruscelli's Italian translation of Ptolemy's 'Geographia', revised by Giovanni Malombra,

Custodial history

Part of the Alexander E. MacDonald Canadiana Collection purchased by the Public Archives of Canada in 1981.

Related materials

For other copies and or editions see: Mikan 4002445 (NMC 27660) ; G1005 1574 -fol. Vault (AMICUS No. 26306184) ; G1005 1561 - fol. Vault (AMICUS No. 26306191)

Citation / reference note

Shirley, Entry 110
Wagner, vol. II, Entry 54
Phillips, Entry 380
Sabin, Entry 66505

Availability of other formats note

The microfiche version is NMC27665 (H3 & text)

Exhibitions note

This map was part of an exhibition held at The Royal Ontario Museum, March 1954 entitled "The Discovery & Mapping of the Great Lakes 'Sweet Water' 1522-1703 showcasing MacDonald's Collection.

Subject heading

World - Maps - Early works to 1600 .

Source

Private

Other system control no.

CARTO19396

MIKAN no.

4141740