- 4
Africa--[Gastaldi, Giacomo]
Description
- Al Ecc[ellentissi]mo... il Signor. Thomaso Rauenna... essendo per dare in luce la descrit= / tione dell'Africa una delle principali parte del Mondo co[n] tutti i suoi termini, et confini (Regione cosi famosa)... Venice: Paolo Forlani, 1562, 440 x 599mm., engraved general map on two sheets joined, trimmed to the engraved border, and inlaid for inclusion in a contemporary atlas, fine dark impression
- Paper
Literature
Betz, Mapping of Africa 6; Karrow, Mapmakers of the Sixteenth Century, 30/98.1; Meurer, Strabo Illustratus Atlas map 116 (ill.); Tooley, Maps In Italian Atlases 67;Woodward, Maps and prints of Paolo Forlani 10.01; Woodward, Paolo Forlani map 1 & pp.49-50
Condition
"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 landmark in the mapping of Africa, but also a mystery.
This map, chronologically, represents the first appearance in print of the most up-to-date delineation of Africa, drawn by Gastaldi, and yet Gastaldi's map was not to appear in print for another two years, posing the question of whether Gastaldi showed his materials to Forlani, or whether Forlani was able to get access to Gastaldi's unpublished materials.
Gastaldi's published map - on eight sheets - was too unwieldy for atlas use, so it was Forlani's version that popularised and disseminated this new delineation of Africa.