Tabula Nova Partis Africae.
Vienna: 1541. The second map to show just southern Africa; it is based on the Waldseemuller modern map of southern Africa, and derived from Ptolemy. Decoratively illustrated with African kings, serpents, an elephant and a Christian soldier riding a sea monster towards Madagascar. Three large rivers arise from a mountain range, labeled 'Fontes Nili' (source of the Nile), other mountain ranges, and coastal towns named in Latin or Portuguese. With the figure of the King of Portugal riding a sea monster towards Madagascar.
Based on the slightly larger map from 1513 published in "Ptolemy's Geographia". The atlas was reprinted in 1520, 1522, 1525, 1535 and 1541. This wood block was cut in 1525 for the publisher J.Grünninger. This being the variant of 1541, now without the banner title, but title in letter type and blank verso.
From the last edition of Ptolemy's "Geography", with maps by Laurens Fries and the text edited by Michael Servetus. Servetus was accused of heresy and burnt at the stake. Calvin ordered that copies of the book should be burnt with him, although this copy seems to have eluded the flames.
Wood block map with early hand color. Blank on the verso, with the number 39 at the lower right corner. Image size: 16 7/8 x 13". Paper size: 21 1/4 x 15". Strengthened on the verso, very faint browning at middle of center fold, otherwise very good. Betz, p. 55-56. Tooley, "Map Collectors' Circle, No. 30 Printed Maps of the Continent of Africa Part II", p. 61-62. Karrow, "Mapmakers of the Sixteenth Century" Very good condition. Item #15881
Price: $2,500.00