L12405

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Lot 207
  • 207

Portolan chart--[Oliva, Francesco II, attrib.]

Estimate
65,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description

  • [Untitled portolan chart of the Western Approaches, from Scotland to about Cape Verde. Marseilles, c.1660]
  • vellum
Double-page manuscript portolan chart in ink and colours on vellum, 390 x 540mm., extracted from an atlas, old paper backing visible on the verso, gilt highlights slightly oxidized

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

A fine portolan chart attributed to a member of one of the foremost chart-making families. The Oliva family is famed for its output of fine sea-charts in the mediaeval portolan tradition, both as separate charts and assembled into chart-books. This fine example, evidently removed from one such atlas, depicts the western approaches to the Mediterranean, from Scotland and Jutland in the north, southwards approximately as far as the northern tip of the Cape Verde islands, and extending into the Mediterranean to include the Balearic Islands and Marseilles.

In common with many portolan charts, the present example is neither signed nor dated, but stylistically it bears attribution to Francesco Oliva (II), especially in the decoration above the compass rose in North Africa, which is very similar to a signed Oliva chart from 1661 in the Sociedad Bilbaìna (see Portolans procedents de col.leccions espanyoles segles XV-XVII (Barcelona, 1995), p.259, chart 52-1).

This type of chart was generally intended for library rather than shipboard use, hence the lavish decorations for the armorials and compass roses, as well as the addition of mermen and other sea creatures.