Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 532

Ortelius' Map of Russia with a Vignette of Ivan the Terrible

"Russiae, Moscoviae et Tartariae Descriptio. Auctore Antonio Ienkensono Anglo...", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Russia, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Period: 1587 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.6 x 13.8 inches
44.7 x 35.1 cm
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Fascinating map of Russia and the former Soviet republics from the surveys of the English merchant and adventurer, Anthony Jenkinson, in 1562. Jenkinson was leader of the Muscovy Company's first expedition to Russia and the first European to travel widely throughout the region. Ortelius' map replicates much of the detail and decoration found on the original Jenkinson map complete with extensive notations, illustrations of Cossacks, camels, encampments, armies, and a curious burial scene where the dead are hung from trees. A vignette of Ivan the Terrible appears at top left. French text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #162.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a sheet with wide margins and a small coat of arms watermark. There is a bit of printer's ink residue in the image, as well as professional repairs to some separations along the centerfold, resulting in some light abrasions. The map is very nearly in "A" condition.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 9/13/2023

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