Porcacchi’s Map of Lesbos Printed Area Measurement_68 x 59.5 cm sheet size The imaginary ‘mad-head’ island depicted

The imaginary ‘mad-head’ island depicted by the engraver in a sea of shares and inhabited by shareholders (discovered by Mr Law-rens) has an ass’s ears and wears a fool’s cap

Lens itself is in the Pas-de-Calais

Established in London

Ink bookseller’s stamp

as a companion map

Porcacchi’s Map of Lesbos Printed Area Measurement_68 x 59.5 cm sheet size The imaginary ‘mad-head’ island depictedMetellino (Mytilene, Lesbos) This map of Mitilini was engraved by Girolamo Porro and is set in descriptive Italian text with a woodcut headpiece and historiated initial. It is from LIsole piu famose del Mondo, one of the most beautifully engraved of the Italian Isolaria or Island books. Condition & Materials Copper engraving, 10. 7 x 14. 5 cm, recent hand colour.