Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 714

"Carthaginis Sinus Typus", Ortelius/Vrients

Subject: Northern Africa

Period: 1601 (published)

Publication: Epitome Theatri Orteliani

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.4 x 3.1 inches
11.2 x 7.9 cm
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Miniature map showing Tunis and its surroundings decorated with a ship firing a cannon and a strapwork title cartouche. The map depicts the ancient site of Carthage with its strategic harbor that controlled trade in the Mediterranean. Embellished with a strapwork cartouche, stippled sea, and small ship. Latin text on verso.

This map was published in Filips Galle's series of Epitome, which first appeared in 1588. Galle was unimpressed with the maps in the Spieghel der Wereld, and therefore gradually replaced nearly all of them through the various editions of his Epitome. The new maps had simple double-lined borders and were widely copied by others. The plates were acquired by Jan Baptist Vrients circa 1600, who published three more editions in 1601 and 1602, retouching some of the plates and replacing a few more. By the time Vrients' 1601 edition was published, only 10 of the original maps remained.

References: King (2nd Ed.) pp. 64-65 & 88-89; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #8630:332.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light toning and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $80

Closed on 4/26/2017

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