**Originally Listed At $150**

Mapmaker: Abraham Ortelius (Dutch, 1527-1598), "BASILIEN: / SIS TERRITORII / DESCRIPTIO NOVA. Published: Antwerp, Robert Bruneau, ca. 1592. From "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum". Engraving with hand coloring. Text on verso. 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. Size: plate measures 12.875" L x 9.5" W (32.7 cm x 24.1 cm); sheet measures 15.625" L x 10.125" W (39.7 cm x 25.7 cm)

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: ex-Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#136696

Expected toning to paper. Small abrasion to lower right corner. "1592" handwritten in pencil at lower margin. Small piece of old tape at right side of upper margin.