A beautiful & rare 16th century hand coloured copper plate miniature engraving of Malta by Ortelius from his miniature atlas, the Epitome Theatri Orteliani. Titled "Malta olim Melita Insula," (Malta, Once Called Melita Island) the map is attributed to Abraham Ortelius & Philip Galle (Antwerp, c.1589) It features decorative elements including a sea monster, a sailing ship & a depiction of Saint Paul's shipwreck.
Originally engraved during the golden age of Flemish mapmaking, the map was produced in Antwerp & appeared in various editions of Ortelius's miniature atlas, the Epitome. This piece is attributed to the First Latin Edition of the Epitome Theatri Orteliani.
Beautifully hand-colored using traditional watercolor washes, highlighted by gold accents on the map's scale and city symbols. This finish was reserved for high-status commissions. The sheet displays the soft, organic "cockling" (gentle interior paper rippling) uniquely characteristic of 400+ year-old handmade linen/cotton rag paper under glass. Sourced in Knowlton, Quebec.
Accompanied by a modern attribution label on the reverse confirming the 1589 Epitome printing. Beautifully framed, the visible image size measures 4 1/4" x 3." The frame measures 10 1/4" x 9."
