Subject: World
Period: 1601 (published)
Publication: Epitome Theatri Orteliani
Color: Hand Color
Size:
4.3 x 3.1 inches
10.9 x 7.9 cm
This is the second world map to appear in the miniature Ortelius atlases. It was reduced from his folio map of 1587. While North America is still a bit too broad, South America has a more correct form. The Northwest Passage, taken from Mercator, is still prominent and there are large landmasses at both poles. 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; Shirley #161; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #0001:332A.
Condition: A
A crisp impression with minor toning and marginal soiling.