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Abraham ORTELIUS (publisher) , Ioannes a DEUTECUM (engraver) , “Cypri Insulae Nova Descript. 1573 .” 350x495mm, from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Antwerp 1574. Verso Latin text. Copper engraved map of Cyprus with inset island of Lemnos.

Prov.: ΑΗ08

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The first edition of Ortelius’ Theatrum (Antwerp 1570) included an old-type map of the island. In 1573 , in Additamentum I , Ortelius introduced a new map of Cyprus coupled with Lemnos inside a cartouche . His prototype was an extremely rare map of Cyprus by Jacomo Franco published in Venice in 1570 . Franco’s map offered the latest correct data concerning Cyprus at that troubled period . Strangely , Franco did not make further use of his map . Thus , Ortelius’ map of 1573 became the most advanced and correct prototype , destined to be used by cartographers and publishers throughout Europe until the middle of the 18th. century . The text at the back was periodically up-dated by Ortelius while his engravers conditioned the printing plate since the map was published in all the subsequent editions of the Theatrum in various languages.