Catalog Archive
Auction 185, Lot 3

"Typus Orbis Terrarum", Ortelius/Vrients

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
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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.

Estimate: $450 - $550

Sold for: $550

Closed on 11/17/2021

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