Details
Description
Antique copper engraving map of Portugal by Vernando Alvaro Secco finely matted and framed, ready to display. This early copper …
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Antique copper engraving map of Portugal by Vernando Alvaro Secco finely matted and framed, ready to display. This early copper engraving, printed on laid paper and inscribed MCCCCCLX (1560 in Roman numerals), has an unusual west orientation, where the north is positioned 90 degrees to the right. Zoom into the photos, for a closer look, to appreciate in detail. If you are familiar with Portugal, you'll recognize numerous place names that have remained unchanged for over 500 years.
This early map of Portugal would likely be appreciated by historians, art and antique collectors, enthusiasts of Portuguese history, museum curators, educational institutions, libraries, interior designers, cartographers, and cultural heritage organizations. Its appeal lies in its historical significance, artistic value, and potential relevance to various fields of interest.
The map has two elaborate cartouches inscribed in Latin. The right one bears the title "PORTUGALLIAE," once known as Lusitania, authored by Vernando Alvaro Secco, a distinguished 16th-century Portuguese cartographer. The left cartouche, dedicated to Cardinal Guido Ascanio Sforza (1518 – 1564), details the seafaring achievements of the Portuguese. It appears to be a diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening ties with the Papacy and garnering support for Portugal's overseas endeavors.
This map is often described as Ortelius, in reference to Abraham Ortelius, the renowned Flemish cartographer and geographer. Ortelius compiled maps from various sources into his groundbreaking work, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theatre of the World), a milestone in Renaissance cartography.
Noteworthy provenance is evidenced by a stamped circular seal located in the bottom right margin that includes the words "Bureau Grand Duc Kirill Russia." Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia (1876-1938) was a first cousin of Nicholas II, Russia's last Tsar and a prominent member of the Romanov Imperial family.
Measurements: Frame: 26 1/2" by 19 7/8" approximately. Map not including margins: 20 3/16" by 13 3/8" (51.2 cm by 34 cm) approximately.
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- Dimensions
- 26.5ʺW × 0.5ʺD × 19.87ʺH
- Styles
- Renaissance
- Frame Type
- Framed
- Period
- 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- Portugal
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Engraving
- Paper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- White
- Condition Notes
- This is a two-page map, as issued, joined at the center. In good condition, trimmed close to the margins, mounted … moreThis is a two-page map, as issued, joined at the center. In good condition, trimmed close to the margins, mounted on lightweight cardstock, with provenance inscriptions and seals on margins mostly concealed by the mat, and minor imperfections as shown. less
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