Catalog Archive
Auction 96, Lot 464
Print View

"Presbiteri Iohannis, sive Abissinorum Imperii Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Central Africa

Period: 1574-75 (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)

Striking map of the kingdom of the mythical Christian king whom 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. It includes two pair of large elephants in the interior and sea monsters and an oared ship in the Atlantic with two large strapwork cartouches, one enclosing the title and the other with text of the legend. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #175.

Condition: B

Lovely old color. Extensive restorations along centerfold. Manuscript ink notation in left margin.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,200

Sold for: $900

Closed on 9/12/2001

Archived

About Us

Old World Auctions specializes in genuine antique maps, atlases and decorative graphics originating between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Read more about us...

Recent Articles

More...

General Info

Contact Info

3850 Gaskins Road, Suite 220
Henrico, VA 23233 (USA)
Phone: 804 290 8090
Email: info@oldworldauctions.com

© 2024 - All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice | Sitemap