Novissima et Accuratissima Regnorum Hispaniae et Portugalliae. by DE WIT, Frederick (c. 1630-1706)

Amsterdam: F. De Wit, [c. 1759]. Single sheet, (21 ¼ x 24 ½ inches; 19 7/8 x 23 ¾ inches to the neat line; full margins showing the plate mark). Fine engraved map of the Iberian peninsula, showing the Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, with ORIGINAL HAND COLOR IN FULL, the individual territories shown in different bold watercolors of yellow, green, and pink, the decorative title cartouche showing classical figures, one painting a portrait of Charles III of Spain with the caption "Caro iii D.G. Hisp. Et Ind. Rex," HEIGHTENED WITH LIQUID GOLD, and two fine compass roses decorated with LIQUID GOLD (old central fold, edges slightly frayed, lightly toned). Extremely fine map of Spain and Portugal. SKILLFULLY AND ATTRACTIVELY HAND-COLORED, and embellished with LIQUID GOLD. With a gorgeous asymmetrical historiated title cartouche. The fifth son of Philip V of Spain, but the eldest by his second wife Elizabeth Farnese, Charles III reigned over Spain and the Spanish Indies from 1759 until 1788. Prior to ascending to the throne, as Duke of Parma he conquered the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily in 1734, being crowned their king the following year. Upon succeeding to the Spanish throne in 1759, Charles abdicated the Neapolitan and Sicilian thrones in favor of Ferdinand, his third surviving son, who became Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In early 1762, Spain entered the Seven Years' War, with two main objectives: to invade Portugal and capture Jamaica. Both campaigns were thwarted, and resulted in Spain's loss of Havana and Manila. The following year, in 1763, the Treaty of Paris determined that Spain would cede Florida to Great Britain in exchange for the return of Havana and Manila. These and other conflicts with Great Britain would inspire Charles to support the American revolutionaries during their War of Independence, despite any concerns he may have had that it would set a bad example for the Spanish colonies in that part of the world. Spanish military operations in West Florida and on the Mississippi River helped the 13 colonies secure their southern and western frontiers from British attack..