Subject: Northern France
Period: 1579 (dated)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20.4 x 13.1 inches
51.8 x 33.3 cm
Superb example of the decorative style of Ortelius, based on the cartography of Jean Surhon. The map is filled with detail of the countryside along the Somme River, includes Abbeville, Amiens, Saint Quentin and La Fere (which was obviously a larger city in the sixteenth century than it is today). Two large and elaborate strapwork cartouches decorate the map at top and bottom. This is the second state, with Latin text on verso from the 1601 edition.
References: Van den Broecke #46.
Condition: B+
A dark impression on a sturdy sheet with a small coat of arms watermark, minor toning, a few spots along the centerfold at top, and marginal soiling. There is an old manuscript page number at top right.