World--Cimerlinus, Giovanni Paolo.

520 x 585mm., double-page engraved map on 2 sheets joined, thick paper, good margins, a dark impression

Tooley, Maps in Italian Atlases, 19; Shirley, World, 116 (pl.100: BL example); Meurer, Strabo Illustratus Atlas, map 1; Karrow, Mapmakers of the Sixteenth Century, 27/2.3; Nordenskiold, Facsimile Atlas, p.89 (fig.53); The World Explored, 153 (pl.34); cf. Shirley: Mapping of the World, 69 (ill: colour frontispiece) for the Fine prototype

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of the most striking cartographic images from the early period of cartography, Cimerlinus' world map is drawn on a cordiform, or heart-shaped projection, allowing the depiction of the world in one "hemisphere".

Cimerlinus is a little known printseller and publisher, apparently from Verona, but presumably working in Venice, a lesser figure in the so-called "Lafreri-school" of Italian cartographers and publishers who dominated European map-publishing between about 1540 and 1570.

Cimerlinus's model, as credited in the title, was a very rare world map by the French cartographer Oronce Finé (or Finaeus) known in only two examples, both in institutions.

The map is set in an elaborate classically-inspired frame, with cherubs and angels, bearing the dedication to Henry Maltravers, count of Arundel, presumably Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel (1512-1580) or, less plausibly, his son Henry FitzAlan, Lord Maltravers (1538-56), this latter connection seemingly giving rise to the oft-given date of 1556 for the proof state.