Historic Maps
c. 1670 Engraved Map of the Holy Land & Mediterranean Sea
c. 1670, Historic Hand-Colored Engraved Map entitled: “Terra Sancta sive Promissionis olim Palestina recens delineata,” by Frederick de Wit, Amsterdam, Very Fine.
This is an original, large and decorative Engraved Map has Hand-color, full Double-page Large folio, measuring 21.75” x 18.5” (by sight), matted to an overall size of 28.5” x 25.5” and tipped with older paper tape to the matting. It displays the the area of greater Palestine being the “Holy Land,” with Mediterranean Sea full of trade sailing ships to the North. The top border has Hand-colored cherubs holding a floral banner. The sea has various sailing ships, a compass rose, and a legend. At the bottom center, it appears that two “Holy Men” are shown standing to either side of a close-up of Jerusalem, with the Ark of the Covenant directly above the city. There are two rather trivial small points of conservation and a bit of faint tone along the upper vertical centerfold. A very scarce and unusual depiction of the Holy Land which looks nice on display.