Decorative and highly detailed map of Sicily, based upon an earlier map by De L'Isle, with a large detailed inset of Malta and Goza and table of explanations. Shows roads, towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, volcano erupting on Mt. Etna and a host of other details. Very minor discloration at centerfold.
The Ottens brothers, Reiner and Joshua, operated a successful printing partnership in the mid-eighteenth century (fl. 1726-1765). They began the venture in 1726, publishing maps and other prints as “R & I Ottens.” They specialized in the reprinting of others’ work, especially Guillaume De L’Isle. In 1750, Reiner died; his soon, also Reiner, took his place, but the firm began listing their works as “Joshua & Reiner Ottens.” The firm lasted until Joshua’s death in 1765. Joshua’s widow, Johanna de Lindt, sold their remaining stock of plates in 1784.