Subject: Cartographic Miscellany
Period: 1575 (circa)
Publication: Civitates Orbis Terrarum
Color: Hand Color
Size:
18.5 x 13 inches
47 x 33 cm
This is a very unusual and interesting sheet, which defies classification. It consists of two views, one atop the other, and each surrounded in an elaborate strapwork framework which includes Latin text. The views show Abraham Ortelius and George Hoefnagle conducting surveys on a lake, which is surrounded by ancient ruins. The lower scene is quite bizarre in that there is a burning building and a human skeleton rising up out of the forest to attack the survey party with a large spear. One of the surveyors appears to be using a dog on a leash as some sort of depth measuring devise. Superb, old color.
References:
Condition: A
