Catalog Archive
Auction 88, Lot 334

"Presbiteri Iohannis, sive Abissinorum Imperii Descriptio"

Subject: Central Africa

Period: 1579 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17 x 14.7 inches
43.2 x 37.3 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Stunning map of the kingdom of the mythical Christian king who according to legend provided a stronghold against Barbarians and was an ally to the crusaders. Ortelius designed this map himself using geographical information including Gastaldi's 1564 map of Africa. This decorative map includes two pair of large elephants in the interior and sea monsters and an oared ship in the Atlantic. There are two large strapwork cartouches, one enclosing the title and the other with text of the legend. Ref: van den Broecke #175. Minor toning of paper edges, overall fine.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 10/2/1999

Archived