Bordone, Benedetto
1534

Very early map of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles

Guadalupe, Martinina

DESCRIPTION: The first printed maps of the Caribbean islands of St. Martin and Guadeloupe, published just 42 years after Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World. An attractive group of three antique maps inset on a single sheet with Italian text on verso and recto.

The recto includes a small-scale chart of the Leeward Islands. Here the geographical relationship of the islands bears little resemblance to present-day maps. Bordonne names the islands: "S. Maria Rotonda"; "Moserato" or Montserrat; "Buchima" or "Barbuda"; "Dominica"; S. Maria Antica" or Antigua; "Santa" or "Saint Kitts?; and "C. Martino" or St. Martin.

Two additional maps on the verso show the islands of "Guadalupe" Guadeloupe and "Matinina" or St. Martin. Each island is decorated with features that Bordonne addresses in the text. Guadeloupe is shown covered with a low leafy vegetation. St. Martin sports numerous caves set into small hills.

Published from Venice in 1534 in the second edition of Benedetto di Bordone's "Isolario", or Island Book. The Isolario provided nautical-chart inspired maps of islands alongside information for travellers on their culture, myths, climate, and history.

Bordone (1460-1531) was a Paduan cartographer, and an illustrator of manuscripts, best known for his 'Isolario' or book of islands. Bordone's work was only the second isolario ever printed, the first being that of Bartolommeo Dalli Sonneti published in 1485. Text in Italian.

CREATOR: Bordone, Benedetto

PUBLICATION DATE: 1534

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Spain

BODY OF WATER: Caribbean Sea

CONDITION: Very good.  Image is clean on a full sheet of chain-laid paper. One very light stain in the map of St. Martin. One marginal note in ink. No major condition issues.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER: 

SIZE: 5 " x 6 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 5

PRICE: $940

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