An early map of 'modern' southern Africa:   Africa Nova Tavola

Original copperplate printed map
Uncolored as issued
177 x 249 mm
Map # AF-211
$ Sold

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This map is based on Giacomo Gastaldi's famous 1548 map of southern Africa,  published in Venice for an edition of Ptolemy.  In 1561, Ruscelli produced a new translation of Ptolemy's Geographia and used the geography from the Gastaldi map for this 'new', slightly enlarged map of southern Africa.  There were later editions of Ruscelli's Geographia with the same maps in 1562, 1564, and 1574.   This particular map is from the 1^st edition of Ruscelli's Ptolemy of 1561.  On the verso, text begins with a supside down "N" within a box and with a man in the background.  (Tooley, 46). 

Of interest, the copperplate that was used to produce this map actually had two maps engraved on to it (the map has no plate impression along the top).  After printing, the page was cut in half to make two separate maps.

Much detail is included on landfalls, particularly on the west coast.  Arab trading ports on the east coast are also shown.  

References:  Norwich Map #151. Karrow, p. 222.  Tooley [under Gastaldi], p. 46-7.

Very Fine Condition.  A nice addition to any collection of African maps.