Ancient Sicily Map — Siciliae Antiquae Tabula, Roman Cities & Aeolian Isles 1800
€ 330
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1800
Mapmaker / artist
Robert Wilkinson, London, 1827
Technique
Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size
28 × 34.2 cm (11.0 × 13.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14227-2-25
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good antique condition with age-appropriate toning and light handling wear. Minor edge wear and light discoloration consistent with age. Plate mark visible.
About this sheet
Ancient Sicily Map — Siciliae Antiquae Tabula, Roman Cities & Aeolian Isles, 1810
A refined hand-colored classical map titled Siciliae Antiquae Tabula, published in London by Robert Wilkinson in 1827, depicting the island of Sicily according to ancient Roman geography. This elegant engraving forms part of a series illustrating the classical world through historical sources, combining scholarly accuracy with decorative appeal.
The map presents Sicily divided into historic regions, highlighted in soft pastel tones that emphasize ancient territorial distinctions. Important classical cities and settlements appear throughout the island, including Syracusa (Syracuse), Agrigentum (Agrigento), Panormus (Palermo), Catana (Catania), Messana (Messina), and Lilybaeum (Marsala). The engraving reflects the importance of Sicily as a strategic and cultural crossroads within the Mediterranean world, central to Greek colonization, Carthaginian expansion, and later Roman administration.
A notable feature is the inclusion of surrounding islands, particularly the Aeolian or Vulcaniae Insulae (Aeolian Islands), as well as a small inset map providing additional geographic context. The volcano Aetna (Mount Etna) is clearly marked, reinforcing the island’s dramatic geological identity and its significance in classical literature and mythology.
Wilkinson’s cartographic productions are recognized for their clear typography, balanced composition, and restrained hand coloring, making them highly attractive to collectors of classical maps and interior designers seeking historically inspired decorative works. The map’s harmonious pastel palette and fine engraved lines make it equally suited for study or display in refined interiors.
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning and light wear consistent with early nineteenth-century prints. Minor edge wear and faint discoloration at margins. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: Display in a dark walnut or gilt frame with an ivory or warm off-white mat. A generous mat border enhances the delicate coloring and emphasizes the elegant engraved linework.
