Catalog Archive
Auction 152, Lot 695

"Presbiteri Iohannis sive Abissinorum Imperium", Ortelius/Coignet

Subject: Central Africa

Period: 1601 (published)

Publication: Epitome Theatri Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.7 x 3.3 inches
11.9 x 8.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Miniature map showing the domain of the legendary Christian king, Prester John. The map is dominated by the Nile River, which is shown emanating from twin lakes south of the equator. The map was engraved by the brothers Ambrose and Ferdinand Arsenius who had been assistants to Frans Hogenburg and co-engravers of Ortelius' folio Theatrum. The maps were copied from Philip Galle's 1598 edition of the Epitome and were considered superior to Galle's maps. This series of maps was accompanied by text by Michel Coignet and was published in Antwerp by Jan van Keerbergen. Latin text on verso.

References: King (2nd Edition) pp. 86-87; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8720:333.

Condition: A

Attractive color with a chip in top right corner that has been professionally repaired with old paper.

Estimate: $120 - $150

Sold for: $70

Closed on 2/18/2015

Archived