World map - Public domain map engraving

Bordonne, a cartographer and engraver working in Venice, was best known for his isolario or book of islands. First published in 1528, his book included 111 wood cut maps of islands. The world map, a simple outline map with graceful italic script and numerals on each of the islands, served as a reference to the more detailed maps that followed. Such books of islands were popular in 15th and 16th century Italy. Later editions of Bordonne's work appeared in 1534, 1547, and 1565, while a number of other cartographers published similar books.
Courtesy of Private Collection