17th Century Dutch Map of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Dalmatian Coast, 1690

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This hand colored 17th century Dutch map entitled "Novissima et Accuratissima totius Italiae Corsicae et Sardiniae Descriptio" by Theodore Danckerts … Read more This hand colored 17th century Dutch map entitled "Novissima et Accuratissima totius Italiae Corsicae et Sardiniae Descriptio" by Theodore Danckerts depicts the Italian Peninsula in its entirety. It also includes the Dalmatian coast, which at the time was controlled by the Republic of Venice. The islands of Corsica and Sardinia and part of Sicily are also represented. At the time this map was made, most of Italy was under Spanish control. Following the War of Spanish Succession (1701-14), Spain would lose many of its territories to the Habsburg Empire of Austria, and then as a result controlled Italy.

A colorful title cartouche in the top right quadrant depicts two cherubs and an emperor. The scale in the bottom left is also illustrated with a cherub with measuring instruments. Various ships can be seen sailing in the waters as a naval battle rages in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The map is presented in a tan colored wood frame with light gold colored inner and outer trim, with a double mat; the outer mat is cream-color and the inner mat is dark brown. There are focal areas of discoloration in the lower portion of the map, but the map is otherwise in very good condition.

The Danckerts were a prominent 17th and early 18th century Dutch cartographic, engraver and printing family. Cornelis Danckerts I (1603-1656) began the family business in Amsterdam. The skill and the trade was passed to his son, Justus Danckerts (1635-1701 and subsequently to his sons, Theodorus Danckerts I (1663-1727) and Cornelis Danckerts II (1664-1717) See less