Les Isfes de Canarie. Insulae Canariae ol. Fortunatae

Cartographer / Artist: Petrus Bertius / Jodocus Hondius

Date Created: c. 1600

Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving

Physical Dimensions: 6.3 × 4.5 inches

Geographic Scope: Canary Islands, Madeira, Atlantic Ocean

Archive Catalog ID: fp8-img-2200

Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive

Collection: 17th–19th Century French & Iberian Surveys

This finely detailed miniature map depicts the Canary Islands and Madeira archipelago, featuring the Latin name 'Insulae Canariae ol: Fortunatae' across the ocean basin, referencing the classical designation of the 'Fortunate Isles.' Engraved for early seventeenth-century pocket atlases published by Petrus Bertius and featuring geography by Jodocus Hondius, the sheet is crowned with a French typographic header reading 'Les Isfes de Canarie.' The layout illustrates Madeira, Porto Santo, Salvages, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and Ferro (El Hierro). Visually, the map features an ornate inset box in the upper left displaying 'Portus Canaria' complete with a local fortress ('Castellum') and a radiating compass rose. Decorative strapwork frames, a sailing vessel, a sea monster, and a German miles scale bar ('Milliaria Germanica') complete this classic example of Dutch Golden Age miniature cartography.

Condition: Overall age-toning and light surface foxing along the outer margins.. Significant text ghosting (bleed-through) from the French letterpress on the verso.. Original hand-coloring intact with minor ink oxidation and pencil inventory markings in lower margin.

Les Isfes de Canarie. Insulae Canariae ol. Fortunatae
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17th–19th Century French & Iberian Surveysc. 1600

Les Isfes de Canarie. Insulae Canariae ol. Fortunatae

By Petrus Bertius / Jodocus Hondius

Archival Overview & Authenticated Facts

Authentic period c. 1600 Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Petrus Bertius / Jodocus Hondius documenting Canary Islands, Madeira, Atlantic Ocean. Measures 6.3 × 4.5 inches. Verified original holding from the Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive.

Acquisition StatusPrice Upon Request
Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive • 100% Guaranteed Authentic Original

Physical Specifications & Details

Medium & Technique
Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Sheet / Plate Size
6.3 × 4.5 inches
Date / Era
c. 1600
Geographic Scope
Canary Islands, Madeira, Atlantic Ocean
Archive Catalog ID
fp8-img-2200
Provenance
The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Preservation & Condition Report
  • Overall age-toning and light surface foxing along the outer margins.
  • Significant text ghosting (bleed-through) from the French letterpress on the verso.
  • Original hand-coloring intact with minor ink oxidation and pencil inventory markings in lower margin.

Historical Context & Archival Analysis

This finely detailed miniature map depicts the Canary Islands and Madeira archipelago, featuring the Latin name 'Insulae Canariae ol: Fortunatae' across the ocean basin, referencing the classical designation of the 'Fortunate Isles.' Engraved for early seventeenth-century pocket atlases published by Petrus Bertius and featuring geography by Jodocus Hondius, the sheet is crowned with a French typographic header reading 'Les Isfes de Canarie.' The layout illustrates Madeira, Porto Santo, Salvages, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and Ferro (El Hierro). Visually, the map features an ornate inset box in the upper left displaying 'Portus Canaria' complete with a local fortress ('Castellum') and a radiating compass rose. Decorative strapwork frames, a sailing vessel, a sea monster, and a German miles scale bar ('Milliaria Germanica') complete this classic example of Dutch Golden Age miniature cartography.

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Every map, fine print, and photograph offered by Rubini Antique Maps and Prints is an authenticated, 100% original period work produced during its stated publication date or era. We never sell modern reproductions or digital facsimiles. All cataloged items carry verified provenance originating from the historical collection of Dr. Joseph R. Rubini, backed by complete historical attribution.