Coloured map of Italy from the 1579 Latin edition of Abraham Ortelius’ landmark atlas “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum”, the first modern atlas of the world. This map, which was included in the Ortelius atlas since it was first published in 1570, is based on the cartographic work of Giacomo Gastaldi done in the mid 16th century. Decorated with an image of Nepune embracing a mermaid, sailing ships and a sea monster, the map includes the entire island of Corsica as well as portions of Sardinia, Sicily, France, Switzerland and the eastern Adriatic coast. A description of the region appears on the verso in Latin. The map is an old coloured, strong, dark impression in excellent condition. 36 cm x 51.5 cm