"Nobilis Hannoniae Comitatus Descrip. Auctore Iacobo Surhonio Montano", Ortelius, Abraham

This is a superb map of the border region between France and Belgium from the second of three plates that appeared in the Theatrum. It includes the cities of Mons, Maubeuge and Valenciennes. The history of this map is fascinating. It was based on a manuscript map by Jacques Surhon (1548), which for security reasons was not published. In 1572, Ortelius applied for privilege to publish the map, but his request was never granted. The plate was engraved anyway and around 300 prints were made before the plate was destroyed. It was re-engraved on new plates two additional times during the history of the Theatrum. Beautifully embellished with a large strapwork title cartouche, scale of miles and two coats of arms. Latin text on verso, published in 1601.

References: Van den Broecke #70.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a sheet with the horn coat of arms watermark commonly found on Ortelius maps. There is an old manuscript page number at top right and marginal soiling.