Kurtze Beschreibung von dem Ursprung, Aufnehmen, Gebiete und Regierung der Weltberühmten Republick Venedig.

Short description of the origin, recording, and government areas of the world-famous “Venice Republick.” The first and only edition of this rare work. The copper engravings include 47 maps and views of former Venetian towns and islands in Italy, Dalmatia, Greece, and Turkey. The maps, although small, are detailed with ships, detailed towns and cities, mountains and forests, rivers, lakes and some cartouches.

DESCRIPTION - The small book is 130 x 80 x 30 mm. and has a brown calf cover with three ribs and gilding, but it has heavy rubbing and chipping of leather along edges and corners. The front and back covers have cracked and have been repaired. The last page is # 236, but there are 12 extra maps & views with similar pages (for a total of 248 pages). Includes 47 of a reported 51 maps, plans, and plates, including 24 maps (8 folding), 17 views (4 folding), 4 fortifications, and 2 prints (1 folding). The most important map of “Cyprus Insula” is present and in excellent condition. The miniature non-folding maps and views are 125 mm. x 75 mm. The largest fold-out map is 190 mm. x 110 mm.

Jacob von Sandrart (1630 - 1708) was a German engraver and publisher, primarily active in Nuremberg. Sandrart obtained his artistic training from his better-known uncle Joachim von Sandrart in Amsterdam. Sandrart was a very prolific artist producing over 400 engravings. He was best known as a portraitist of prominent contemporary citizens of Nuremberg, as an engraver of maps, and as an illustrator of the literary works of Nuremberg writers.

The Republic of Venice was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. Despite its long history of war and conquest, the Republic's modern reputation is chiefly based on its status as an Economic and trading power.