ORTELIUS, A. - Cypri Insulae Nova descript. 1573.

This is a beautiful copy of a classic map of Cyprus. It is the earliest obtainable version of the best map of Cyprus made to date. Ortelius based his map upon that published in Venice by Jacomo Franco in about 1570. Franco's map greatly improved the shape and outline of the island, and he gave more place names than any previous mapmaker.
Unfortunately, Franco's map survives in only three copies, and this Ortelius' beautifully engraved version of 1573 is the earliest obtainable version.
The map is embellished by three sailing ships, a sea monster and three large strapwork cartouches, one of which encloses an inset map of the Greek island of Lemnos.