Spain and Portugal: An 18th Century Hand Colored Map by Visscher

Description

This is an early 18th century map of Spain and Portugal, with attractive original hand-coloring, entitled "Hispaniae et Portugalliae Regna … more This is an early 18th century map of Spain and Portugal, with attractive original hand-coloring, entitled "Hispaniae et Portugalliae Regna per Nicolaum Visscher cum Privilegio Ordinum Hollandiae et Westfrisiae" first published by Nicolaes Visscher II (1649-1702) in 1688, and later re-published from Visscher's original copper plate by Peter Schenk, Junior in Amsterdam in 1725. The cartouche in the right lower corner depicts a coat of arms representing one combined kingdom of Spain and Portugal before their break-up. Putti hold up the coat-of-arms of Phillip II on the right and a queen reaches for it on the left. There is a scale cartouche in the lower left corner surmounted by two putti and a wheel. This is an outstanding depiction of the Iberian peninsula, showing Spain and Portugal and Balearic Islands. The map includes portions of North Africa and the Strait of Gibralter.

This copperplate engraved map is presented in a cream-colored mat. It is printed on fine chain-linked, laid paper. The mat measures 26.5" high by 30" wide and the sheet measures 21.75" high by 26.375" wide. There is a central fold, as issued. The lower portion of the fold is reinforced on the verso. There is a small paper defect at the lower edge of the fold and another at the edge of the right corner, as well as a few small tears along the lower edge; none affecting the map and all covered by the mat. There are a few small faint spots in the upper margin and on the left. The map is otherwise in very good condition. less