Rare Old Map of Mythical Frisland by Bertelli, 1560: Andoforte, Alanto, Sea Creatures, Atlantic

Step into the captivating world of Renaissance cartography with Ferrando Bertelli's 1560 masterpiece, "Frisland." This remarkable map is a testament to the imaginative spirit of 16th-century explorers and mapmakers, depicting the mythical island of Frisland in the North Atlantic. The island, believed to be situated between Iceland and Greenland, is illustrated with meticulous detail, showcasing mountains, bays, and settlements. Bertelli's work reflects the speculative narratives and popular myths of the time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the era's geographical understanding and the allure of the unknown.

Ferrando Bertelli, an esteemed Italian engraver and publisher, was renowned for his detailed and artistic maps during the Renaissance period. His depiction of Frisland is no exception, capturing the island's speculative geography with an artist's eye for detail. Bertelli's map is a blend of artistic expression and cartographic precision, illustrating the island's mountains, organized farming lands, and settlements with a level of detail that suggests elaborate descriptions, despite the island's fictitious nature. This map is a prime example of how myth and exploration intertwined in the minds of Renaissance cartographers.

The map of Frisland is rich with features that evoke the spirit of adventure and discovery. It includes illustrations of sea creatures and ships, adding a touch of whimsy and danger to the surrounding North Atlantic Ocean. The island itself is adorned with multiple mountain ranges, organized farming lands, and numerous settlements, each meticulously labeled. Notable landmarks such as Andoforte, Alanto, and Cabaria dot the landscape, providing a sense of a thriving, albeit imaginary, civilization. The map also features an inset map of the island DVI, adding another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating piece.

Historically, the map of Frisland holds significant importance as it represents the evolving nature of cartography during the Middle Ages. The inclusion of Frisland on maps of the time, despite its mythical status, highlights the interplay between myth, commerce, and exploration. The story of Nicolo Zeno's voyage, which reportedly reached Frisland in about 1380, and the famed Zeno map of 1558, prominently featuring Frisland, are testaments to the powerful influence of narrative and legend on the cartographic practices of the era. Bertelli's map captures this historical context, making it a valuable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Owning a map like Bertelli's "Frisland" is akin to holding a piece of history in your hands. It is a window into a time when the world was still full of uncharted territories and the boundaries between reality and myth were often blurred. This map is not just a depiction of a fictional island; it is a reflection of the human spirit's insatiable curiosity and desire to explore the unknown. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a lover of history, Bertelli's map of Frisland is a captivating addition to any collection, offering a unique blend of artistry, history, and imagination.

Cities and towns on this map

• Andoforte
• Alanto
• Cabaria
• C. Buase
• C. Nordi
• C. Verna
• Doifas
• Frijland
• Godmeo
• Ocibar
• Orlenda
• P. Orlanda
• Pont
• Rodeo
• Rone
• Sengfol
• Sorand
• Sprige
• Sudero Cofo
• Verna
• Pigra
• Serne
• Sorne
• Campas
• Refu
• Bram

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• A large sea creature in the top left corner.
• A ship in the bottom left corner.
• A sea monster in the bottom right corner.
• A large compass rose in the bottom right corner.
• Landmarks:
• Organized farming lands depicted throughout the island.
• Bodies of water:
• Surrounding North Atlantic Ocean.
• Mountains:
• Multiple mountain ranges depicted across the island.
• Other notable features:
• An inset map in the top right corner showing a portion of the island DVI.

Historical and design context

• First state of the only 16th Century map of the mythical island of Frisland in the North Atlantic.
• Frisland is a phantom island that appeared on maps during the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Its existence was based on narratives, popular myths, and highly questioned accounts, such as the story of Nicolo Zeno's voyage in about 1380.
• The Zeno map of 1558 prominently featured Frisland.
• Date of creation: 1560
• Mapmaker or publisher: Ferrando Bertelli
• Bertelli was an Italian engraver and publisher known for his detailed and artistic maps during the Renaissance period.
• Topics and themes:
• The map shows physical geography with mountains, bays, and settlements.
• It includes speculative and imaginative elements, reflecting the myths and narratives of the time.
• Countries and regions shown:
• The map focuses on the mythical island of Frisland, believed to be situated between Iceland and Greenland.
• Design or style:
• The map is detailed with artistic illustrations, including mountains, organized farming lands, and settlements.
• It features elaborate descriptions and speculative portrayals of the island.
• Historical significance:
• The map represents the interplay between myth, commerce, and exploration during the Middle Ages.
• It highlights the evolving nature of cartography and the impact of speculative narratives on mapmaking.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.