Africa--Rughesi, Fausto.

Betz cf. The Mapping of Africa 36 (this state and issue, not recorded)

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Very rare map of Africa drawn by Fausto Rughesi, a Tuscan architect working in Rome.

Betz records two examples, in the Vatican Library and at the University of Texas. However this example seems to be a second state, which has had the decorative elements reworked. Interestingly, the printer rather than erasing from the plate the dedication to Vincenzo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, and the (ducal?) arms, at top left and top right, resorted to cutting out oval paper patches to lay over these areas of the plate, thus masking these features in printing, and leaving two blank oval areas, with a visible outer ridge.    

This map, and its companions of the world and other continents are his only foray into cartography, and are now "exceedingly rare" (Betz).