Bordone, Benedetto
1534

Very old wood-cut map of the island of Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

DESCRIPTION: An early map of the Greek Aegean Island of Santorini ("S. Erini") in the Cycladic Island group. Opposite the caldera from Thira is the smaller island of Thirasia ("Tiresia"). Shows four villages: Oia ("San Salvadore"), Pyrgos ("Scaro"), Akrotiri ("Acortiri") and "Apanomerca".

Shows a jagged set of lines on the west coast of the island similar to the letter "M" set on its side. From the location it almost certainly represents the switchback road leading down the cliff face to the beach and ferry station; a feature most tourists to the island who arrive by boat will well remember.

Map is inset onto a full page of Italian text. Verso contains another similar-sized map of the Cycladic island of "Namphio" (present-day Anafi) which lies just a few miles to the east of Santorini.

This scarce antique map was published from Venice in 1534, just 42 years after Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World. From the second edition of Benedetto di Bordone's "Isolario" which 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 on verso in Italian.

CREATOR: Bordone, Benedetto

PUBLICATION DATE: 1534

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Greece

BODY OF WATER: Aegean Sea

CONDITION: Very good. Image is clean on a full sheet of chain-laid paper with two small spots. One marginal note in ink. No major condition issues.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 5 " x 3 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 2

PRICE: $600

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