Subject: Holy Land
Period: 1603 (published)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Black & White
Size:
18.4 x 14.1 inches
46.7 x 35.8 cm
Ortelius designed, and probably also engraved this beautiful Holy Land map. It details the wanderings and life of the Patriarch Abraham. The map is displayed as though on a banner hung on a wall; it shows Palestine and a portion of Egypt, inset with a small map of the Middle East from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates River. The imaginative design includes an elaborately engraved frame containing twenty-two scenes illustrating the life of Abraham, spanning his departure from Ur to his death. This is from the second plate, used from 1592-1624, with the hachuring within the medallion border running from upper left to lower right. Latin text on verso.
References: Laor #547; Van den Broecke #183.
Condition: B
A nice impression with light toning, a few small spots, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation that enters 3.5" into image at top. A short tear in the bottom blank margin has been repaired with old paper both on recto and verso.