Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

The earliest obtainable regional map of Brazil. Extremely early and inaccurate explorer's map of Brazil. The inland is virtually unknown. The Amazon and the Rio de Plata originate from a Volcano deep in the jungle. Beyond that is TERRA NON DESCOPERTA. There is more pictorial than geographical information. Along the coast, Portuguese and French visitors are seen together with local indians ocean is filled with French and Portuguese ships, with fish and with monsters. Modern Rio de Janeiro is south of C. frio (Cabo Frio), and Salvador or Bahia, at C. de todos Santos. An essential map for collectors. A nice example, with minor stitch holes at the centerfold, as is often the case.

States and Editions

Two woodblock were used in the printing of this map. The first was in use between 1554 and 1565 before being destroyed in a fire. This first edition is identifiable by the spelling Discoperta instead of Descoperta.

The second block was reused in 1606, identifiable by the presence of wormwood damage.

Giovanni Battista Ramusio Biography

Giovanni Battista Ramusio (1485-1557) was an Italian geographer who worked within the Venetian Empire. His father had been a magistrate and he himself served as a civil servant to Venice. He served throughout Europe, allowing him to build up a network of informants and a collection of travel materials. He compiled this information into his enduring masterpiece, Navigationi et Viaggi, in 1550 (first volume) and 1556 (third volume). The second volume appeared after his death in 1559, as the original manuscript had been destroyed by a fire.