EXPLORE THE WORLD OF ANTIQUE MAPS

This map, by Filippo Pigafetta of Rome, was published by Theodore De Bry in 1599. The latter was an engraver, bookseller and publisher, based in Frankfurt, Germany. His major work was his series of Grands Voyages and Petits Voyages. In all, 54 parts of these two works were issued over the period 1590 to 1628. They contained many beautiful and now very rare maps, much sought by collectors. Map 13 was one of the largest, and was printed in two parts, joined. It is in fine condition. Basically it is a map of the river Nile, which is shown originating as far south as present-day South Africa. This mistaken view of the course of Africa's most important river was only rectified a century later.