United Kingdom - Sicily; Robert Wilkinson - Siciliae Antiquae, Tabula - 1781-1800

A mapmaking masterpiece of exquisite workmanship and great collectible value, dating back to the early 19th century. This refined engraving, entitled "Siciliae Antiquae, Tabula", offers a fascinating glimpse of Sicily during the classical Greek and Roman eras. Published in London at the height of the Regency era, the map perfectly reflects the passion of the British elite for the "Grand Tour" and for classical antiquity. The chart details the ancient provinces and the main historic settlements (such as Siracusa, Lilibeo and Agrigento) and includes an elegant inset map in the lower left corner, which shows the strategic position of the entire island in the Mediterranean. In the upper right corner are depicted the volcanic islands of the Eolie (*Aeoliae vel Vulcaniae Insulae*). The delicate hand-coloured borders at the time distinguish the ancient regions with elegance, making this work a piece of great refinement, ideal for collectors experienced in Italian cartography and for high-end interior design projects. Cartographer / Publisher: Robert Wilkinson, one of the most important London cartographers between the late 18th and early 19th century. Editorial indication / precise date: "London Published Oct.r 11.th 1800, by R. Wilkinson No. 58 Cornhill" (as incised in the lower part of the elegant cartouche). Technique: Precious engraving on copper/steel plate made on period wove paper, heavy and of high quality. Presents splendid hand-coloured outline borders with watercolor, authentic and coeval. Presentation: Professionally mounted inside a high-quality museum-grade custom passe-partout, cream-colored, decorated with refined inner gold and ochre borders. Ready for a professional frame. Condition: Excellent antique condition. The engraving is sharp, dark and well defined. The paper preserves its splendid natural ivory tone. Colors remain vivid. Signature: Not autographed, but bears the official publisher's inscription incised on the plate: "London Published Oct.r 11.th 1800, by R. Wilkinson No. 58 Cornhill." Dimensions of print: cm. 27,6 x cm. 33. The lot will be adequately packaged and shipped with contracted couriers and relative online tracking. For this lot, shipments outside the European Community are not made.