Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 684

"Asiae VIII Tab", Ptolemy/Mercator

Subject: Asia - Central

Period: 1618 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Geographiae Veteris…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16 x 13.6 inches
40.6 x 34.5 cm
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This fine copper engraved map covers Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea in what is now Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and western China. 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 several tent encampments and hunting scenes and a bold, garlanded cartouche. Latin text on verso.

References: Mickwitz & Miekkavaara (Nordenskiold) #232-24.

Condition: B

Fine impression and original color with some offsetting stains.

Estimate: $250 - $300

Sold for: $190

Closed on 6/21/2006

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