C1593 Tunis/Mahdia/Penon De Veles Map Johannes Maius/Braun/Hogenberg Woven Cloth

Today we are excited to offer for sale a true piece of history: a circa 1593 hand colored copper plate print map of Tunis, Madhia, and Penon de Veles, by Braun & Hogenberg, from an original drawing by Johannes Maius. This rather imaginative and vividly polychromed map (and truly a work of art!) depicts three intricate bird’s-eye views of each city. The map is expertly and beautifully engraved on woven cloth paper which was then laminated to a cardboard backing very long ago, and framed in a elegant and understated gilt wood frame. The map and frame together measure 21″ across and 16 3/4″ high. Considering its’ age, the map is remarkably in very good antique condition, with very minor signs of wear. Other than a scarcely visible center-vertical fold, which may be original to the manufacture, the only flaw we noticed is a fissure on the lower right side of the map, which is hardly noticeable, and does not detract from its’ beauty. The frame is in very good vintage condition, with very minimal wear. Our consignor had a framer open up the frame to clean the glass and replace the backing paper just a few years ago so it looks very presentable, clean and ready to hang. This exquisite and exotic piece of history came from the estate of a world-traveling gentleman of means who spent a great deal of time traveling through Africa and the Middle East back in the 1920’s and 1930’s. This worldly map will add panache to any room in your home or business. A piece not to be missed!