A classic 16th century Dutch map of Italy

An early example of this important map of Italy, published only two years after the first edition. Based on the work of Giacomo Gastaldi, it is filled with decorative detail, including a large vignette of a merman and mermaid and a sphinx on the scale cartouche. This example is printed from the first of two plates: the second plate, introduced in 1585, has the mer-couple in a far less intimate embrace.