Subject: Southeast Asia
Period: 1598 (published)
Publication: Il Theatro del Mondo
Color: Hand Color
Size:
4.1 x 2.8 inches
10.4 x 7.1 cm
This miniature version of Ortelius' important map of Southeast Asia shows how sketchy the available information was concerning the region. The East Indies are presented as a randomly scattered group of islands with Java and Borneo particularly misshapen. Japan is presented in its kite-shaped form, and in the upper right corner America makes an appearance with three cities: Quivira, Cicuie, and Tiguex. Pietro Maria Marchetti produced the second pocket atlas based on Abraham Ortelius' folio Theatrum. It is often referred to as the plagiarized version of the Epitome. The copper plates are closely copied from those of Philip Galle's 1593 Italian edition. On a full sheet of Italian text (5.5 x 7.5").
References: King (2nd Edition) pp. 78-79.
Condition: A
On watermarked paper with show-through of text on verso, a printer's crease at right, and marginal soiling.