Cartographer: Abraham Ortelius (Dutch, 1527-1598) - published in Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, ca. 1570. "Franciae Orientalis (Vulgo Franckenlant) Descriptio" AND "Monasteri Ensis Et Os Naburgensis Episcopatus Descriptio". Two maps from Abraham Ortelius' atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" ca. 1570, both finely engraved with hand coloring. The Franken map has a stunning cartouche by Sebastian Rotenhan and includes the area between Kulmbach, Rothenburg or the Tauber, Frankfurt, and Schmalkalden. It is an East oriented map with the center near Schweinfurt. The map of Munster has an attractive painted cartouche and compass rose by Godfried Maschop. It is the oldest printed map from dioceses Munster and Osnabruck with Tecklenburg and Ravensberg on the borders from Oldenburg, Diepholz, Lippstadt, Werne, Bocholt and Meppen. Size of map: 14" L x 19.5" W (35.6 cm x 49.5 cm) Size of frame: 21" L x 26" W (53.3 cm x 66 cm)

Abraham Ortelius of Antwerp, Belgium was a famous cartographer and publisher of "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theatre of the World) - generally regarded as the first modern atlas - in 1570 with editions published until 1612. Ortelius trained to be an engraver, and in about 1554 established a book and antiquary business. By 1560, he became interested in mapmaking thanks to the influence of Gerardus Mercator. Ortelius compiled global maps on a heart-shaped projection (1564), as well as maps of Egypt (1565) and Asia (1567), in addition to the first edition of the Theatrum, an atlas that included 70 maps engraved in his signature style and derived from 87 authorities. The Theatrum was enlarged and updated in successive editions until 1612. According to scholars, the Theatrum was the most popular atlas of this period. Beyond this, Ortelius was bestowed the honor of being geographer to Philip II of Spain in 1575.

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#160125

Maps have not been examined outside the frame, but appear to show with normal toning, a small tear/separation to the bottom of centerfold, and minor stains. Hand coloring, text, illustrations, and cartouches, are very strong. Frame has some scuffs and scratches, and gallery paper is torn on verso, but is otherwise intact and wired for suspension.