A striking hand-coloured map depicting the island of Cyprus. The dominating decorative motif of the external decoration of the map is the figure of Aphrodite sailing towards Paphos drawn by her swans.

The Blaeu family firm was founded by Willem Janzoon Blaeu (1571-1638) in 1596. He was eventually joined by his sons, Cornelius (1616-1648) and Joan (1596-1673). The firm became the most productive cartographic establishment in the Netherlands until it was destroyed by fire in 1672. The elder Blaeu initiated the great series of atlases that culminated in the "Atlas Maior", in which Joannes Blaeu incorporated much of the geographical knowledge bequeathed him by his father.

Double-page copper engraved map, with fine later hand-colouring, centre fold as issued, figure title-cartouche depicting Aphrodite, ornamental cartouche with the scale of map, 3 ships, 2 wind-roses and 2 coats-of-arms, Dutch text on verso; sheet size: 47.3 x 53.2 cm. Mounted, overall size: 54.5 cm x 65 cm.