Catalog Archive
Auction 93, Lot 336

"Africae Tabula Nova", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Africa

Period: 1570 (dated)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.7 x 14.7 inches
50 x 37.3 cm
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Ortelius designed this striking continental map from elements of contemporary maps by Gastaldi, Mercator, and Forlani. It is considered a cornerstone map for African collections. The name Carneca appears for the first time, and Zanzibar is shown on the west coast. The Nile is based on the Ptolemaic concept. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a grand sea battle, swordfish and a whale. State 2, French text on verso with evidence of plate cracks in title cartouche. RESERVE $1,700

References: Norwich #10 and van den Broecke #8.

Condition: A

Minor mat burn in margins.

Estimate: $2,200 - $2,300

Sold for: $2,200

Closed on 12/6/2000

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