[GERRITSZ VAN HAARLEM, Adriaen (attivo nel 1580. Questa mappa probabilmente pubblicata da sua moglie che dopo la sua morte ottenne un privilegio di 8 anni)] - [PORTOLANO - Carta nautica dell’Europa stampata su pergamena (Pascaert van Europa). Amsterdam: Cornelis Claesz, ca. 1591].   An exceptional example of late sixteenth-century Flemish cartography.   An extraordinary part of the map printed on vellum representing much of the upper portion (about two-thirds) of the renown nautical chart of Europe drawn by Adriaen Gerritsz and engraved by Joannes van Doetecum on behalf of the legendary Dutch publisher Cornelis Claesz, a key figure who helped transform Amsterdam into the capital of geographical printing.   First published in 1587 and then corrected and updated in 1591, this map bears witness to a crucial moment in European cartography; it is a transitional work between the Mediterranean portolan tradition and the modern Nordic representation of the continent, with a visual structure rich in symbolic, heraldic, and narrative elements. It is not a simple nautical instrument, but a true engraved work of art, combining scientific precision, aesthetic refinement, and cultural depth. It was also one of the first attempts in the Netherlands to transform the practical knowledge of navigators, until then mostly passed down in manuscript-form, in a systematic printed publication, making nautical knowledge accessible and disseminated in response to the new demands of commercial navigation.   The copy features four magnificent coloured compass roses, orientation instruments, and graphic jewels; five coats of arms (four clearly visible and one faded) depicting the great maritime powers of the time: Sweden, Prussia, England, the United Provinces, and Flanders. Two interesting figurative scenes are also included, the first with men carrying a boat and the second depicting a battle.   Of particular nautical and geographical interest is the rich presence of legendary and mythical islands such as Brazyl, Hitlant, Rookol, J. das Maidas, and Fero, revealing the fascination of the unknown and the imaginary in Renaissance cartography.   No other copies are known in private hands to preserve such a large portion of the original map. The complete copies are held in public institutions, such as the Leiden University Library, and no copies have appeared on the market in recent decades. Günter Schilder and Marco van Egmond, "Maritime Cartography in the Low Countries during the Renaissance".   (465 x 350mm). Map engraved on vellum (laid on cardboard, some small losses especially at the edges, some stains and abrasions, ink a little faded at times); this is the upper portion only of the original map measuring 610x380mm).

Estimate € 15,000 - 25,000

Sold € 15,000