unbound
1799 · London
by LAURIE & WHITTLE
London: Laurie & Whittle, 1799. unbound. Map. Engraving with original hand outline. Sheet measures 21.5" x 28.25".
This incredible map of Sicily by Robert Mylne was published by Laurie and Whittle in 1799. It offers a detailed representation of the island, from Marettimo to Calabria and Alieuri to the Canal of Malta. The map highlights numerous cities, towns, and villages, including Messina, Syracuse, and Palermo, with particular attention to coastal points. A notable feature is the detailed illustration of Mount Etna, beautifully hand colored. Stain to the original fold line.
During this period, Sicily was part of the Kingdom of Naples and involved in the French Revolutionary Wars. The brief establishment of the Parthenopaean Republic by France in 1799, followed by its swift overthrow and the restoration of Ferdinand IV, provides historical context to the map.
Mylne's map integrates important cartographic sources of the time, such as those by Austrian General Samuel von Schmettau and French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville. It depicts the three provinces and the county of Modica, showing roads, inns, watch towers, forests, fortified towns, and lava fields. The map also includes statistical information and a key translating Italian terms into English. The decorative cartouche adorns the lower left quadrant.The map is in good condition, with some staining along the centerfold and some foxing.
Robert Laurie (c. 1755 - 1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) were London-based map and atlas publishers active in the late 18th and early 19th century. They formed their firm following the death of their employer Robert Sayer, who was an important English publisher of maps, portraits, and nautical engravings. Their firm combined Laurie's engraving skills with Whittle's social contacts and print sales experience. Together, they published numerous maps and atlases, often enlisting prominent cartographers such as Kitchin, Faden, Jefferys and others to update and modify their plates.
Robert Mylne (1733-1811) was a notable Scottish architect and civil engineer, best remembered for designing Blackfriars Bridge in London. His architectural training continued in Rome under Giovanni Battista Piranesi, where he studied Ancient Roman aqueducts. In 1757, Mylne toured Sicily with diplomat Richard Phelps and antiquarian Matthew Nulty, creating sketches and measured drawings of antiquities. His work in Sicily contributed to his studies, though the anticipated book was never published. Mylne's professional journey was marked by a long and productive career. (Inventory #: 322943)
This incredible map of Sicily by Robert Mylne was published by Laurie and Whittle in 1799. It offers a detailed representation of the island, from Marettimo to Calabria and Alieuri to the Canal of Malta. The map highlights numerous cities, towns, and villages, including Messina, Syracuse, and Palermo, with particular attention to coastal points. A notable feature is the detailed illustration of Mount Etna, beautifully hand colored. Stain to the original fold line.
During this period, Sicily was part of the Kingdom of Naples and involved in the French Revolutionary Wars. The brief establishment of the Parthenopaean Republic by France in 1799, followed by its swift overthrow and the restoration of Ferdinand IV, provides historical context to the map.
Mylne's map integrates important cartographic sources of the time, such as those by Austrian General Samuel von Schmettau and French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville. It depicts the three provinces and the county of Modica, showing roads, inns, watch towers, forests, fortified towns, and lava fields. The map also includes statistical information and a key translating Italian terms into English. The decorative cartouche adorns the lower left quadrant.The map is in good condition, with some staining along the centerfold and some foxing.
Robert Laurie (c. 1755 - 1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) were London-based map and atlas publishers active in the late 18th and early 19th century. They formed their firm following the death of their employer Robert Sayer, who was an important English publisher of maps, portraits, and nautical engravings. Their firm combined Laurie's engraving skills with Whittle's social contacts and print sales experience. Together, they published numerous maps and atlases, often enlisting prominent cartographers such as Kitchin, Faden, Jefferys and others to update and modify their plates.
Robert Mylne (1733-1811) was a notable Scottish architect and civil engineer, best remembered for designing Blackfriars Bridge in London. His architectural training continued in Rome under Giovanni Battista Piranesi, where he studied Ancient Roman aqueducts. In 1757, Mylne toured Sicily with diplomat Richard Phelps and antiquarian Matthew Nulty, creating sketches and measured drawings of antiquities. His work in Sicily contributed to his studies, though the anticipated book was never published. Mylne's professional journey was marked by a long and productive career. (Inventory #: 322943)
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