Planisfero Del Mondo Vecchio; C.1691 Coronelli Map of the Eastern Hemisphere

Venice: Vincenzo Coronelli. unbound. Map. Engraving with hand color. Sheet measures 19.5" x 26.25".<br/><br/> This lovely map of the Eastern Hemisphere was issued by Vincenzo Coronelli in circa 1691. The map covers the continents of Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia in detail and includes the discoveries made by Abel Tasman in Australia. The map is cartographically based on Coronelli's large gores from 1688, which were themselves derived from the manuscript globes constructed for Louis XI in 1683. An early mapping of the coastline of Antarctica is also included.<br><br>Dedication to Senator Andrea Marcello appear in the top left with his coat of arms in the top right. The lower corners include explanations. A series of concentric rings surround the map noting distance, eclipse, climate zones, and astronomical information. The 12 zodiac signs are noted on the outer edges of the circle. The map has wear along centerfold and verso repair and fill near the bottom with loss of a few letters in the south pole and margin fill. Plate cracks visible. Minor foxing. Unusual coloring.<br><br>Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718) was a Franciscan priest and renowned mathematician and cartographer. He was appointed official Cosmographer to the Venetian Republic in 1685 and founded the world's earliest geographic society, L'Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti. He was known best for his globes, which he made for prominent rulers such as Louis XIV and the Duke of Parma. This map is an excellent example of his work.<br/><br/>