Tabula Nova Hibernie Anglie et Scotie

The first printed "modern" map of Great Britain not based on Ptolemaic geography. Issued in Waldseemuller's landmark 1513 edition of the "Geographia" or book of maps.

Martin Waldeseemuller’s 1513 map of the British Isles is the first printed map of the country which does not rely on Ptolemaic geography, leading it to be called the “first modern map of Great Britain”.

It was issued in the 1513 edition of the “Geographia” or book of maps based on Claudius Ptolemy and printed in Strasbourg. This famous edition of the work added a “Supplementum” or appendix of twenty “new or modern” maps which did not use traditional Ptolemaic geography. This addition has led it to being called the first modern atlas.

Among the twenty new maps is this map of Great Britain. Scholars have not been able to track down its specific geographical source although it does bear a strong resemblance to the islands drawn on several manuscript or “portolan” charts available in Italy. In particular, the shape of this map emulates the portolans of Pinelli and Grazioso Benincasa, both of whom were active from the mid to the late 15th century. However, it differs from many of the portolan portrayals in one major way: it does not separate Scotland and England with a narrow channel of water.

There is a remarkable amount of place names on the map, many of which are unrecognisable while others are only discernible through their locations. Thus “Eristo” on the west coast is Bristol; “Antona” is Southampton while “Dobla” is Dover. The density of names on the east coast of Ireland is very unusual although most of them are not discernible. However, their number suggests an active medieval marine trade on the Irish Sea.

Finally, a notable feature is the large island of Brazil off the west coast of Ireland, a myth that would feature on maps until the end of the 16th century.

Waldseemuller’s maps are difficult to find and, as the first to show a new geographical configuration in the Supplementum, are essential pieces for any collection of maps.

[GB2044]