Robert Dudley

Original copperplate printed map: 
two sheets joined:  47 x 74 cm.
Map #AFS-069.  
$2,750.  

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This chart shows the entire coast of southwest Africa with the Cape of Good Hope north to approximately 19° south.  A number of islands in the south Atlantic are also shown.  The map may be most noted for its ornate calligraphy.

The chart is from Dudley's Dell' Arcano Del Mare, di D. Ruberto Dudleo Duca di Nortumbria e Conte di Warwich . . . libri sei . . . In Firenze, Nella Stamperia di Francesco Onofri. 1646.  There was a second edition in 1661.  The Arcano del mare (Mystery of the Sea) was a monumental and totally original task with nearly 150 charts.  In the quantity of charts, it was not surpassed until the French sea atlases of the 18^th century.  For further information on Dudley, Lucini, and the Arcano del Mare, see descriptions for Maps #AFS-069 & 070.

References:  Norwich, Map #247.   Sotheby's Catalogue, Wardington Sale, 2005.  Not in Tooley.

Fine with slight age browning, particularly down the center, due to binder's glue used in the atlas' production, wide margins.