Italy - Campania // ISCHIA island extremely rare English edition; Abraham Ortelius (Anversa, 1528 – 1598) - ISCHIA, quae olim AENARIA. Ab Aeneae classe hic appulsa sic nominata. - 1601-1620

(Extremely rare). Taken from the sole English-language edition of the famous atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in London by John Norton

The map renders the island of Ischia in extraordinarily detailed fashion, flanked by Procida (Prochyta Insula), the islet of Vivara (Insula Vivari), and a portion of the Campanian mainland including Monte di Procida, the Phlegraean Fields, and the coast down to Baia and Pozzuoli.

• Mirror orientation: The map adopts an unusually historical orientation, with the South at the top (Meridies) and the North at the bottom (Septentrio). This choice, explained in the cartouche at the bottom left, allowed a perspective and scenographic view of the Gulf of Naples for navigators coming from Northern Europe.
• The medical-scientific focus: The work is not merely a geographic map, but the cartographic transcription of Giulio Iasolino's studies on the island's thermal sources. Within the territory of Ischia, the healing baths, hot springs, sulfurous vapors, and volcanic complexes (such as Monte Epomeo) are precisely indicated.
• Mannerist decorative apparatus: The map is famous for the richness of its aesthetic details. It features three majestic cartouches in late Renaissance/mannerist style, sea monsters emerging from the waters, and a dramatic naval battle in the lower Tyrrhenian Sea between contemporary galleons, complete with smoke and cannons.

The copy shows the signs of time typical of a map over 400 years old, while still maintaining excellent legibility and overall freshness.
Analyzing the specific flaws noted:
• Small detachment at the bottom (central fold): Ortelius atlas maps were originally folded in half and bound to the volume with a paper tongue (braghetta). It is very common that, with repeated opening, the lower part of the central fold tends to give way or suffer a small tear/detachment, as visible on this sheet near the lower edge.
• Traces of old adhesive tape (Scotch): On the reverse or at the detachments.