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Description

Ramusio's map of Brazil is the earliest obtainable separately issued regional map of Brazil, from Gastaldi's Delle Navigazione e Viaggi, first published in Venice in 1556.

The map represents an extremely early and inaccurate depiction Brazil. The inland is virtually unknown. The Amazon and the Rio de Plata originate from a Volcano deep in the jungle. Beyond that is TERRA NON DESCOPERTA. The map is more pictorial than a representation of geographical information. Along the coast, Portuguese and French visitors are seen together with local indians ocean is filled with French and Portuguese ships, with fish and with monsters. Modern Rio de Janeiro is south of C. frio (Cabo Frio), and Salvador or Bahia, at C. de todos Santos. As noted by Suarez, "the vignettes include an early depiction of the hammock, for which the Brazilian Indians are famous, and the parrot. Hunting and domestic scenes abound, but Ramusio has spared the viewer the cannibal cliche already popularized on other maps."

An essential map for collectors.

States and Editions

Two woodblock were used in the printing of this map. The first was in use between 1554 and 1565 before being destroyed in a fire. This first edition is identifiable by the spelling Discoperta instead of Descoperta.

The second block was reused in 1606, identifiable by the presence of wormwood damage.

Reference
Sabin 67740. Tooley & Bricker p.214.
Giovanni Battista Ramusio Biography

Giovanni Battista Ramusio (1485-1557) was an Italian geographer who worked within the Venetian Empire. His father had been a magistrate and he himself served as a civil servant to Venice. He served throughout Europe, allowing him to build up a network of informants and a collection of travel materials. He compiled this information into his enduring masterpiece, Navigationi et Viaggi, in 1550 (first volume) and 1556 (third volume). The second volume appeared after his death in 1559, as the original manuscript had been destroyed by a fire.