Lot 08340

BLAEU W. J., “Cyprus Insula“, c.1635. French text on verso.

The map is based on Ortelius map of Cyprus printed in 1573, with Blaeu correcting the Ptolemaic longitude by about 6°, and significantly enhancing the artistic parts of the map.

It is considered the finest published copper-plate map of Cyprus. At the top-center it bears the coat of arms of the Royal House of the Lusignans, while at the top-left depicts the Turkish arms. Impressive title cartouche dominated with the figure of Aphrodite sailing towards Paphos reclining on a couch on a shell-shaped sea-chariot drawn by her swamps.

Partly hand-coloured, light toning, otherwise very fine. 

Zacharakis 381, Stylianou 112, Zacharakis “One Hundred Maps…” 035.