"Universale Descrittione di Tutta la Terra Conosciuta Fin Qui"
Published by Paolo Forlani, 1565
Printed by Lahaina Printsellers, Ltd., 2016
This superb reproduction of the original hand-colored engraving of "Universale Descrittione di Tutta la Terra Conosciuta Fin Qui" was first published by Paolo Forlani in 1565. Based on Giacomo Gastaldi’s 1546 prototype world map, it contains all the elements of classic maps of the time.
The upper corners are occupied by cherub heads with butterfly-like wings, while grotesque sea monsters and sailing ships roam the oceans. The continental edges are jagged and undefined, and North America is shown connected to Asia.
In addition to imaginary mountain ranges, Forlani has populated his "terra incognita" with a host of unlikely animals, including a lion, a camel, an elephant, a rhinoceros, a griffin and a unicorn.
This map incorporates all the latest geographic information of the day, combined with the then popular geographic theories and speculations in circulation.
We custom-print this facsimile map on waterproof canvas in our Lahaina studio using the finest archival inks, which are tested and guaranteed not to fade or shift under normal circumstances for over 100 years. Modern printing techniques allow us to improve and enhance the historical subject matter, even as we're careful to preserve and maintain its historical and artistic integrity.