Catalog Archive
Auction 114, Lot 586

"Asiae VII Tab", Ptolemy/Mercator

Subject: Asia - Central

Period: 1618 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Geographiae Veteris…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18 x 13.6 inches
45.7 x 34.5 cm
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Attractive Ptolemaic map covering Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea and what is now Turkmenistan, the Steppes, Afghanistan and beyond. The Himalayas and Northern India run across the bottom of the map. Although he is most renowned today for his map projection and the popularization of the term Atlas for a collection of maps, Gerard Mercator devoted much of his life to his Ptolemaic maps. The maps were beautifully engraved as nearly as possible to their original form and embellished with fine cartouches and cultural scenes. This map includes scenes of shepherds and their flocks and a great sea monster. Latin text on verso.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara (Nordenskiold) #232-23.

Condition: A

Fine impression and original color. Bit of uneven toning, overall very good.

Estimate: $275 - $325

Sold for: $300

Closed on 3/1/2006

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