Catalog Archive
Auction 188, Lot 458

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

Subject: Portugal

Period: 1571 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Black & White

Size:
20.2 x 13.4 inches
51.3 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 from the first copper plate from the Latin edition of 1571.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a bright sheet with an eagle watermark, light soiling and printer's ink residue, a printer's crease at bottom right, and professional repairs to several small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 6/22/2022

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