Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 458

"Portugalliae que Olim Lusitania, Novissima & Exactissima Descriptio, Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Portugal

Period: 1581 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.1 x 13.4 inches
51.1 x 34 cm
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This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is the third state with stippling added behind the sea names. French text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a sheet with a small heart watermark, an extraneous crease adjacent to the centerfold, and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $375

Closed on 2/12/2020

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