Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 795

"Barbariae et Biledulgerid, Nova Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Northern Africa

Period: 1588 (published)

Publication: Theatro de la Terra Universa

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.8 x 13 inches
50.3 x 33 cm
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Handsome map of the famed Barbary coast based on Gastaldi's Africa. The map extends from Morocco to Libya and the western Mediterranean showing the proximity of the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, southern Italy and Sicily. Richly engraved with place names, mountains, and numerous spurious lakes in the Sahara Desert. The title is contained in a strapwork panel across the top. Two fantastic sea monsters and a sailing ship ornament the map. Spanish text on verso with page number 100. Although Christopher Plantin printed several issues of the atlas, the 1588 Spanish edition was the first he published, paying Ortelius royalties for the rights. Only 300 copies of this 1588 Spanish edition were printed.

References: Van den Broecke #176.

Condition: B+

Nice bright image. There is a repaired tear in upper margin just entering the image and a small repaired worm hole. Very faint soiling in the blank margins.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $375

Closed on 9/14/2011

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