Minorca Menorca Balearic Island 1620 Porcacchi map eight sea monsters miniature

Descrittione del l'Isola di Minorica.

(Europe, Spain, Mediterranean, Balearic Islands, Menorca).

Issued 1620, Padua, by Porcacchi & Porro.

Charming miniature map of this island, among the earliest separate printed depictions of it. Eight (!) sea monsters surround the island, two ridden by fantastical sea creatures. Strapwork title, compass rose, sailing ship and stipple oceans all add to the visual appeal, most of the island filled with terrain or architectural features.

Text below map and on reverse as always.

Nice looking example, pleasing age patina, clean, any minor age flaws easy to overlook or forgive.

Sheet measures c. 11 1/2"H x 7 7/8"W.

Engraved area measures c. 10"H x 6"W.

Cartographic Reference(s):.
Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers, vol. 3.

[R20210].