Forlani World Map

FORLANI, Paolo (fl. 1560-1571).
UNIVERSALE DESCRITTIONE DI TUTTA LA TERRA CONOSCIUTA FIN QUI.
Engraved general map on two sheets joined with original hand color., right margin trimmed to the engraved border, and inlaid for inclusion in a contemporary atlas, good dark impression. Venice: Fernando Bertelli, 1565.
17 3/4" x 30 1/8" sheet, 24" x 36" framed.

An Italian Cartographic Masterpiece with Perfect Original Color that has Fully Oxidized over the Course of 455 years. Second state (of 7) according to Shirley who also describes the 1st state of 1563 as "a mis-reading of the most commonly found date of 1565". "The third of the world maps by engraved by Paolo Forlani has the same title as that of 1562 but it is in two sheets and considerably larger. In common with both Forlani's earlier world maps it is a re-interpretation of Gastaldi's 1546 map: on this occasion however a very large and extensive southern continent has been added. As well as imaginary mountain ranges, Forlani has populated his Terra Incognita with a host of unlikely animals - among then a lion, a camel, an elephant, a rhinoceros, a griffin and a unicorn.Forlani's large world map was published in 1565, the year before Venice would reach what David Woodward calls the "zenith of map engraving". The map is highly decorative, featuring two cherubs in the top corners blowing the winds. In the lower corners are lines of text, including a dedication to Bartolomeo Zacco. Other embellishments include: numerous sea monsters, a nude figure riding a large sea creature, nine sailing vessels, and varied land animals. Forlani's fanciful style made him one of the most popular Italian cartographers of the 16th Century.Provenance: Old Print Shop Label, Sotheby's, June 14, 2016 - $65,000. We have only one other record of this map appearing at auction (Christie's Milan, 2004 for $134,000 Euro).Shirley, R.W. (World) #115, state 3; Imago Mundi III (Tooley - Italian Atlases) #12; Woodward, D. (Forlani) #35.04.