Catalog Archive
Auction 144, Lot 4

"Orbis Terrarum Cognitus Veteribus Graecis et Latinis", Wells, Edward

Subject: World

Period: 1704 (circa)

Publication: Orbis Terrae Descriptio

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.5 x 3.5 inches
16.5 x 8.9 cm
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This uncommon miniature world map is from Wells' edition of Dionysius Periegetes' geographical handbook. Dionysius was a Greek author of the time of Hadrian, who is also known as Periegetes (the guide). The book is a poetic verse account of the known world. The map presents a contemporary view of the world with its new discoveries engraved in a lighter line, and those of the Old World in a bolder line. California is shown as an island, and only partial coastlines appear for New Zealand and Australia. Only the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia are named on the map, and both the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer are labeled. Edward Wells (1667-1727) was a mathematician, geographer and divine and a fairly prolific mapmaker in the early 18th century.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 4/3/2013

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