MAP, Arabia, Ptolemy/Ruscelli

Arabia. Ptolemy/Ruscelli, Arabia Felice Nuova Tavola, from Geographia Claudio Ptolemaei…, 1564 (published). Black & White. Ptolemaic map of the Arabian Peninsula based on the 1548 map of Giacomo Gastaldi. It covers nearly all of the peninsula, but does not include the heads of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. The coastlines are more accurate than earlier Ptolemaic maps although the southern part of the peninsula is still too wide. A large spurious lake (Stag lago) is shown in the southern region. Major towns are named, although not accurately located, and the rivers are entirely imaginary. This is from the first plate, which was engraved with two map on the same plate - as evidenced by the lack of a plate mark in the upper margin. Latin text on verso.

LITERATURE: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #218-50; Tibbetts #27.
Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.1 in
Condition Report: On a clean sheet of watermarked paper. The impression is slightly weak at top left, otherwise fine. Grade: A