1680 Insula sive Regnum Siciliae...

Insula sive Regnum Siciliae urbibus praecipuis exornatum et novissime editum By: Frederick de Wit Date: 1680 (circa) Amsterdam Dimensions: 19.5 x 23 inches (59.5 x 58.5 cm) This spectacular map of Sicily by Frederick de Wit takes much from that of de Wit’s teacher, Willem Janszoon Blaeu, but is made even more informative by the addition of the port cities which de Wit features in the five insets. The insets depict important port cities and their fortifications, including Messina, Milao, Palermo, Trapano, and Catania with Mount Aetna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, in the background. The map is highly detailed showing settlements, villages, fortresses and castles, cities and ports. The topography of the island is rendered in detail with river systems, mountains, volcanic features, and forested areas delineated. The map is beautifully embellished with a wide variety of vessels ornamenting the main map as well as each of the insets. The title cartouche features a scroll held in pl