A. Picardiae, Belgicae Regionis Descriptio. Joanne Surhonio Auctore, by Abraham Ortelius, from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, dated 1579 (20.4 x 13.0"). Superb example of the decorative style of Ortelius, based on the cartography of Jean Surhon. The map is filled with detail of the countryside along the Somme River and includes Abbeville, Amiens, Saint Quentin, and La Fere (which was obviously a larger city in the sixteenth century than it is today). Two large and elaborate strapwork cartouches decorate the map at top and bottom. Latin text on verso, from the 1579 edition. Ref: Van den Broecke #46. Condition: A nice impression with light soiling confined to the blank margins. (A)

B. Ducatus Turonensis Perlustratus et Descriptus ab Isaaco Franco, Aedili Regio, et in ea Provincia Viarum Magistro / Touraine, by Willem and Johannes Blaeu, from Toonneel des Aerdrycks..., published 1635 (19.6 x 15.1"). This is a lovely map of the Touraine region with Tours and the Loire River at center. Two decorative cartouches feature allegorical renderings of Mother Earth and her bounty. The coat of arms of Tours appears at upper left. Dutch text on verso, published in 16354. Ref: Van der Krogt (Vol. II) #4380:2. Condition: A sharp impression with a light damp stain that enters the image around the centerfold at top, a centerfold separation at bottom that has been closed on verso with archival tape, and minor offsetting adjacent to the centerfold. (B+)

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Condition:

See description above.